A project application has been officially submitted for the construction of a new single-family home located at 1 Helen Street in the prestigious Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. This infill development is set to replace a pre-existing single-story garage situated along the alleyway that branches off California Street, marking a modern residential addition to this historic area. Vince O’Driscoll of OARCON Inc., a reputable general contractor, is identified as the property owner spearheading this development.
Architectural elevation of the new single-family home at 1 Helen Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, designed by William Pashelinsky showcasing modern facade and rooftop decks
The planned four-story structure at helen street will reach a height of 42 feet and encompass approximately 2,500 square feet of living space. The home is designed to feature three bedrooms and a convenient single-car garage, catering to the needs of modern urban living. The architectural plans detail a functional layout, with the ground floor dedicated to communal spaces such as the kitchen, dining room, and living room. An appealing feature of the ground floor design is the inclusion of screen doors that open from the main living area onto a 220-square-foot open-air patio, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.
Ascending to the second floor of this helen street residence, future occupants will find two comfortably sized secondary bedrooms. The entire third floor is reserved for the primary bedroom suite, designed for privacy and luxury. Notably, a rooftop deck on the third floor acts as a setback, strategically positioning the building’s volume away from the alleyway, maximizing space and light. The uppermost fourth floor will house a study, perfect for a home office or quiet retreat, along with an additional rooftop deck, offering panoramic views of the Nob Hill area.
The architectural design for 1 Helen Street is credited to William Pashelinsky. The project blueprints specify a contemporary aesthetic, with the initial two stories of the podium constructed using horizontal Hardie board lap siding. The upper two floors will be clad in sleek cementitious panels, providing a modern contrast. While characterized as modest, the design thoughtfully complements the existing architectural vernacular of the narrow Helen Street alley, ensuring harmonious integration within the neighborhood fabric.
Street view of 1 Helen Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, highlighting the location of the new residential development in a narrow alleyway near California Street
The compact 1,270 square-foot building site for this helen street property is strategically positioned along California Street, nestled between Leavenworth Street and Hyde Street. Residents of this new home will enjoy unparalleled proximity to key Nob Hill landmarks, being just two blocks away from the verdant Huntington Park and the iconic Grace Cathedral, placing them at the heart of this desirable San Francisco neighborhood. Public records indicate that the property was last transacted in 2023 for $650,000.
GBA, a permit expediting firm based in San Francisco, is representing the project, navigating the necessary regulatory processes. The estimated construction cost for the helen street development is approximately $1.35 million, with a projected construction timeline of around 14 months. This new residence at 1 Helen Street promises to be a valuable addition to Nob Hill, reflecting contemporary urban living within a historic San Francisco setting.
