Step into the rich history of San Francisco’s architecture with expert James Dixon, a renowned Nob Hill architect and former project lead for Aaron Green, the last professional link to Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic school. In this episode of The Bay Insider, we explore how San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods have developed over time, from the Victorian and Edwardian eras to modern developments in the Eastern Neighborhoods of Mission Bay and South Beach.

James leads us on a tour of the city’s historic evolution, explaining the influence of the Gold Rush, the 1906 earthquake, and the architectural styles that define neighborhoods such as Nob Hill, Russian Hill, the Mission District, and the Western Addition. Find out why Queen Anne, Stick-Eastlake, and Arts & Crafts homes continue to shape San Francisco’s charm, and how influential architects like Bernard Maybeck and Willis Polk left their mark.

Whether you're a real estate investor, history lover, or architecture enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on how San Francisco’s neighborhoods have evolved, and where we’re headed next. Don’t forget to check out James Dixon’s guided walking tour on YouTube—link in the show notes!

Architecture Chapters:
Chapter 1: Intro - 0:35
Chapter 2: De Portola Discovery - 2:40
Chapter 3: De Anza Expedition - 4:37
Chapter 4: Yerba Buena - 6:27
Chapter 5: Mission Dolores History - 8:03
Chapter 6: San Francisco Survey - 10:24
Chapter 7: Gold Mine Fields - 13:07
Chapter 8: Victorian-Edwardian History - 16:34
Chapter 9: 1890 Pivot of Architecture - 20:42
Chapter 10: Mission District - 23:53
Chapter 11: Stick Style - 27:02
Chapter 12: Queen Anne - 29:28
Chapter 13: San Francisco Hills - 31:54
Chapter 14: Telegraph Hill - 34:00
Chapter 15: Russian Hill - 35:06
Chapter 16: Nob Hill - 40:19
Chapter 17: Western Addition - 43:31
Chapter 18: Pacific Heights - 45:19
Chapter 19: Jordan Park - 47:44
Chapter 20: Presidio Terrace - 49:14
Chapter 21: Richmond Area - 51:09
Chapter 22: Sea Cliff - 51:57
Chapter 23: Haight Ashbury - 53:47
Chapter 24: 3200 Block Of Pacific Heights - 57:46
Chapter 25: Haight Shingle Style - 1:00:52
Chapter 26: Sunset - 1:04:05
Chapter 27: Twin Peaks Tunnel - 1:07:44
Chapter 28: Henry Doelger - 1:10:43
Chapter 29: Marina - 1:12:54
Chapter 30: West Portal - 1:16:38
Chapter 31: Balboa Terrace - 1:20:12
Chapter 32: Eastern Neighborhoods - 1:21:54

James Dixon Bibliography for Episode 17: Exploring San Francisco

Guest Contact Information:
James Dixon
https://www.jdarchitect.com/Site/Home.html

James Dixon Walking Tour: Architect Explores San Francisco's Distinctive Styles | Walking Tour | Architectural Digest

Media Sources for Episode 17

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Instagram: @thebayinsider
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Amanda Martin | Lic #01386284
Ying He | Lic #01964556

BarbCo Real Estate Group

On this episode of The Bay Insider, we take a look at how the San Francisco real estate market closed out 2024 and what’s ahead in 2025.

We break down the latest trends in home sales transactions, pricing, and interest rates. We share our view on the overall health of the market and changes might lie ahead of us. If you’re trying to make sense of the current market or planning your next move, this episode gives a better picture of what to expect.

We also discuss our firsthand experience navigating the recent NAR Settlement and what it means for buyers and sellers moving forward.

To know more about TICs, visit andysirkin.com

You can access our data file here: 2024 in Review - Q4 & NAR Update Data

Episode Youtube Link: 2024 in Review - Q4 & NAR Update Youtube Video

Follow us on our socials to stay in the loop
Instagram: @thebayinsider
Facebook: thebayinsider

Amanda Martin | Lic #01386284
Ying He | Lic #01964556

BarbCo Real Estate Group

Today on Bay Insider, we are continuing our neighborhood series where we talk about the history, lifestyle, and real estate of the Bernal Heights neighborhood in San Francisco.

In this episode of The Bay Insider, we chat with Todd Lappin, a 20-year resident and founder of the Bernalwood blog (now a facebook community group) an online news magazine that celebrates the charm and quirkiness of San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood. Join us as we talk about Bernal’s artistic vibe, multiple business districts, and natural open spaces like Precita Park, Holly Park, and Bernal Hill.

This episode highlights Cortland Avenue’s local gems, the iconic views from Bernal Hill, and the lively Alemany Farmer’s Market. We’ll also touch on Bernal’s evolving real estate scene and why it’s a top choice for first-time homebuyers. Whether you’re a San Francisco local or just curious about the city’s hidden treasures, this episode is packed with stories, history, and insider tips you won’t want to miss.

GUEST: Todd Lappin - Creator of the very popular Bernalwood Blog, circa 2010 (now a Facebook group) and editor at Wired and Time, Inc. magazine for 15 years

Created the Subdistricts of Bernal Heights map, Hoodline contributor, owner of a very cool tiny Japanese fire truck named Kiri

Parks and Arts:

Bernal Hill
Bernal Rock
Holly Park
Precita Park
St. Mary’s Playground and Park
Esmeralda Slide Park
Cuvier Commons
Bernal Cut
Amos Goldbaum mural on Pinhole Coffee and Virginia St. Stairs
College Hill Learning Garden
Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema
Better in Bernal - Bernal Business and Arts Alliance (BBAA)
Precita Eyes Studio
Inclusions Gallery
12 Small Things
Pinckney Clay

Restaurants:

3rd Cousin
Go Duck Yourself
Vega Pizzeria
Piqueos
Moki’s Sushi and Pacific Grill
Seafood Station
El Jacal

To see the full list, visit www.thebayinsider.com

Amanda Martin | Lic #01386284
Ying He | Lic #01964556

BarbCo Real Estate Group