This blog post dives into a pretty striking San Francisco property—a 1928 Potrero Hill rowhouse, now reinvented with a modern, light-filled twist by the late architect Sandra Vivanco. Listed at $5.995 million, it shows off how classic Bay Area charm can actually work with contemporary living. That’s something Marin County buyers seem to crave—style and function, especially up in those hillside neighborhoods from Mill Valley to Sausalito.
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A 1928 Potrero Hill Rowhouse Gets a Modern Overhaul
Outside, the four-story house still sports its original half-brick facade and those twin bay windows. Step inside, though, and it’s a different world: clean lines, big panes of glass, and a floating staircase set the tone.
The renovation pushed the footprint from about 2,400 square feet to nearly 4,000. They added a whole new level, creating a vertical home that welcomes sunlight on every floor. In Marin County terms, this is exactly the kind of transformation people dream about for hillside homes—where light and flexibility really matter day to day.
Design moves that define the home
The four-bedroom layout starts with a garden level. There’s a big patio leading out to the yard, and then you head up to the main living spaces on the street level.
Go higher and you’ll find a bedroom level with a family room, and then up top, another bedroom and two wood-paneled rooftop decks. Vivanco pictured a Marina-style interior—one that maximizes light, air, and movement. Marin County renovators have long admired this kind of vibe, especially in homes perched above the bay.
There’s a third-level skylight and an open staircase, so daylight just pours through. Sliding glass walls, clerestory windows, and built-ins help diffuse the light and keep the air moving throughout the house.
- Original facade preserved with half-brick exterior and twin bay windows that nod to the home’s history
- Vertical expansion added nearly 1,600 square feet, bringing total living space close to 4,000 sq ft
- Light-forward interior features include a third-floor skylight, clerestory windows, and expansive glass walls
- Flexible, family-friendly layout with four bedrooms, a garden level patio, and a rooftop deck experience
- Floating staircase and built-ins that promote a sense of movement and airiness
The Architect, the Lewises, and the Bay Area Story
Sandra Vivanco, a Peruvian-born architect who founded A+D in San Francisco in 1994, later taught at the California College of the Arts. She designed the renovation with a light-filled, urban lodge vibe in mind.
Her goal? To create a space that breathes, feels open, and welcomes gatherings but still offers privacy for daily life. For Marin folks, that emphasis on open flow and sunlit rooms definitely echoes homes in Tiburon and Corte Madera—where indoor-outdoor living is everything.
Simon and Wendy Lewis bought the home in 2001 for $684,000 and worked with Vivanco for years to shape it into a family-friendly space. They say the layout made it perfect for gatherings and practical for a growing family—they raised three kids here.
Now, with their youngest off to college, the Lewises are ready to downsize. Compass agent Brendon Kearney is handling the listing. For Marin County buyers who’ve watched San Francisco properties from Sausalito to San Anselmo, this place stands out—a classic house reimagined for today, but it still has real soul.
Why this home resonates with Marin County buyers
Marin County homeowners love homes with historic charm and a touch of modern design. This Potrero Hill renovation strikes that balance—it keeps its historic street presence but opens up to a bright, multi-level interior.
Readers in Mill Valley and Larkspur probably know the appeal of stacking spaces to draw in light and air. The rooftop decks here really nail that Bay Area indoor-outdoor vibe that fits right in with Marin’s climate and laid-back lifestyle.
- Light-rich interiors that feel larger than the footprint
- Flexible spaces ideal for families and guests
- Outdoor-oriented living areas, including a garden level patio and two rooftop decks
- Craftsmanship that nods to the neighborhood’s history while embracing modern needs
If you live in Marin County and you’re thinking about moving closer to the city, this Potrero Hill spot might catch your eye. Or maybe you’re a San Francisco buyer who’s curious about that Marin-style living—this renovated rowhouse could be just what you’re looking for.
Touring from Sausalito, Tiburon, or San Rafael? The mix of original character and modern flow here stands out in today’s market. For more Bay Area architecture updates and stories about the communities shaping them—from Mill Valley to Novato—check back for our latest coverage of the region’s most talked-about homes.
Here is the source article for this story: 1928 San Francisco Rowhouse Modernized by Renowned Peruvian Architect Listed for $5.95 Million
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