Cowell House

1. 1933

   Built by J.P.W. Jensen.

2. 1933

   The Cowell House, designed in 1933 by Irving F. Morrow and Gertrude Comfort Morrow, and the first Modern building known in San Francisco: four storeys on a steep Forest Hill site, clad in unpainted redwood shiplap, with floor-to-ceiling stacked steel-sash awning windows and the storeys inverted so that the garage sits on top at street level.

   Modern Architecture and Landscape Design Context Statement, adopted 2011
3. July 18, 1933

   The building permit application was filed for a seven-room single-family house on a long, irregular lot, at a cost of $7,400, commissioned by Olive Thompson Cowell.

   SF Planning, landmark designation
4. 1935

   Olive Cowell held a reception at the house for Arnold Schoenberg following a New Music Society concert he conducted.

   SF Planning, landmark designation
5. January 1935

   The house was one of just two Northern California houses published in the special Modern issue of California Arts & Architecture guest-edited by Pauline Schindler, alongside Neutra's Lovell House.

   SF Planning, landmark designation
6. 1951

   The redwood siding was covered with light grey asbestos shingles and aluminium trim; the shingles were stripped in the 1990s, exposing the original redwood again.

   SF Planning, landmark designation
7. May 1990

   Permit 9008573 $$$ $2,800

   Remodel bathrooms, install new toilet & bath tub.

8. Dec 2001

   Permit 200112205663 $$$ $45,400

   Replace kitchen cabinets, sink, flooring, appliances & install new kitchen lights.

9. Dec 2007

   Permit 200712100118 $$$ $123,750

   Remodel middle floor bathrooms, relocate basement bathroom, add rear deck and stairs and enhance foundation by installing helical piers. remodel basement family room, wet bar and laundry room.(*new deck is approx 52" above grade - less than 10'0".).

10. 2013–2014

    Two large redwoods beside the garage were removed, the original switchback path was replaced by a curved stair with metal railing, and a brick retaining wall was built.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
11. April 12, 2016

    Designated San Francisco Landmark No. 270, Cowell House.

    SF Planning, landmark designation

1 expired permit is omitted.