Sneak Peek: Pedigreed Mansion on Buena Vista Park

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One of the oldest and most grand of the stately mansions that line Buena Vista Park — San Francisco’s first official park — 201 Buena Vista Avenue East is being readied to find a new owner after approximately a half-century with the same family.

The 8-bed/5.5-bath/6155sqft (per 2021 MLS listing) was built in 1886 by William Corbin (1857-1926), son of Waldo Corbin, a charter member and director of P. & F. Corbin (later renamed through a series of mergers and acquisitions to P. & F. Corbin Cabinet Lock Company, The American Hardware Corporation and Corbin Russwin). History of the House of P. & F. Corbin (published 1904) names William Corbin in charge of orders and shipments. The company today is represented by ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions.

The home was later owned by Charles A. Malm (1839-1923), founder of C. A. Malm Company — one of the oldest continually operated family-owned firms in San Francisco. Malm arrived in the city in 1867 and began his trunk making business around the same time. He had established his own firm by 1886 and owned two stores in 1902 (both of which were destroyed by the 1906 Great Earthquake). His Pioneer Trunk Factory at the corner of 18th and Folsom Streets is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The property passed through several owners before the current family purchased it in 1982 for $375,000, according to public record. What a deal.

201 Buena Vista Avenue East briefly appeared on the MLS in 2021, listed for $7,775,000. Subsequently withdrawn from the market to make improvements, our insider tells us the place will be returning soon, reimagined.

Check out the photos below and conceptual renderings by Mister and Mrs Sharp of an updated living room, dining room and kitchen.

Photos above from previous listing in 2021, courtesy of SFAR MLS. Renderings courtesy of Mister and Mrs Sharp.

Can’t wait? This house across the street can be yours today for $11,950,000.