Inconspicuously nestled on a residential block at the western edge of Eureka Valley, a quick pass by 220 Danvers Street gives little pause for its curious past. The property itself is nearly indistinguishable from many of its centenarian neighbors, ubiquitously wrapped in clapboard siding and embellished with the ornamental flair of a bygone era. Neither its imposing corner tower nor oh-so-many arched windows are particularly out of character for the setting. Perhaps it looks a bit church-like on the outside, more than the average private dwelling.

In fact, that’s no coincidence.

The front corner tower, west and rear sides of 220 Danvers Street visible from 19th Street, circa 1914. Source: opensfhistory.org

The single-family residence that exists today was constructed as a meetinghouse by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Since arriving in 1846 to start their so-called Brooklyn Colony, the Mormons had maintained a large presence in San Francisco. They built the city’s first bank, library and English-speaking school among more than a hundred other permanent structures within twelve months. Their later-excommunicated leader, Sam Brannan, founded the city’s first newspaper and became the first millionaire minted by California’s Gold Rush.

For a solid eight decades, 220 Danvers Street kept its doors open in dedicated service of the Mormons. Populations multiplied and so, too, did the building adding a rear extension that tripled its original ±1,000 square feet. But the spiritual battle for the neighborhood was ultimately lost, and it went full Sodom by 1984 (*sarcasm*). That’s when Congregation Sha’ar Zahav — San Francisco’s first gay and lesbian synagogue — purchased the building. As it turns out, inclusivity is popular. Soon, the Jews were movin’ up and movin’ out to a larger location.

220 Danvers Street is marketed and listed exclusively by cooperating broker Compass. All listing photos courtesy of SFAR MLS.

Enter retail designer Mark Dvorak and his interior architect wife, Laurie Ann Bishop (yes, that’s really her last name). The couple acquired the property in 1998 and called up television classic This Old House to assist in transforming the place into their home. It’s a miracle — or at least a testament to the staying power of inspired design — that 15 years and two owners later what they accomplished is both still intact and looking divine.

Let’s take a peek.

The centerpiece of this three-bedroom and three-bathroom home’s secular makeover is the former sanctuary. Now a dining and living room fit for entertaining, its vaulted ceiling with scissor-beam trusses exposed imbues and industrial minimalist vibe. Wainscoting salvaged from the San Francisco Chevron building seamlessly unites old and new. Under the timber frame alcove where a pulpit once stood, a massive Rumford fireplace provides anchor to the voluminous space. Additional features include theatrical-quality lighting, built-in audio and a multi-zone radiant heating system.

A passage en route to the building’s 1940s addition reveals an intimate hideaway, a home office or den. Beyond it, the kitchen serves up floor-to-ceiling (13 feet high) custom cabinetry, black marble flooring and luxury-grade appliances by Bertazzoni, Thermador and SubZero. Set into the island’s upcycled marble slab countertop is a 48-inch galley sink with dual faucets. There is a secondary entrance into the home as well as stairways to the upper and lower levels.

Each of the two guest bedrooms is accompanied by its own bath. The main level accommodation showcases custom stenciled Venetian plaster by world renowned painter Caroline Lizarraga. Its bathroom sink came from inside a mansion across town in tony Pacific Heights. Upstairs where church offices once existed, the guest suite enjoys a Juliet balcony with sweeping city view, two generous closets and a large soaking tub.

Scissor trusses are resurrected in the spacious primary suite which includes a wood-burning fireplace, another Juliet balcony and 150+ square foot walk-in closet. Two reclaimed janitorial sinks — each weighing some 200 pounds — are a delightfully unexpected twist on the dual vanity concept. The bathroom’s walls are painted to resemble agate stone, another example of Caroline Lizarraga’s talent. In all, the home’s living spaces measure approximately 3,300 square feet inclusive of the lower-level mud room and laundry.

When 220 Danvers Street landed on the market in May 2023, it was listed at $4,650,000. The asking price was then reduced to $4,300,000 one month later, and to $3,995,000 in late July. It has since been put under contract for purchase at an undisclosed price.

We’ll be watching to see where it settles up.