San Francisco broker invests $400K to transport $2.6M historic victorian mansion by truck

• A 139-year-old Victorian home, purchased for $2.6 million, embarks on a slow-motion journey through city streets.
• Owner Tim Brown secures permits from over 15 agencies, highlighting the complexities of urban historic preservation.
• The relocation clears space for a new 48-unit apartment building amid San Francisco’s ongoing housing crisis.

In the heart of San Francisco, where Victorian architecture meets modern real estate pressures, a remarkable spectacle unfolded on a crisp February morning in 2021.

Crowds gathered before dawn, masks in place amid the lingering pandemic, as a massive green house—complete with ornate bay windows and intricate Italianate details—began its improbable trek down Franklin Street.

This wasn’t just any structure; it was the Englander House, a two-story gem built in 1882 during the city’s post-gold rush boom, now rolling at a snail’s pace of one mile per hour toward a new life six blocks away.

What drove one man to orchestrate such an audacious feat in a city notorious for its steep hills and bureaucratic hurdles?

The story begins with Tim Brown, a veteran San Francisco real estate broker with a passion for preserving the city’s architectural heritage.

Brown acquired the 5,170-square-foot property at 807 Franklin Street back in 2013, shelling out $2.6 million for what was then a dilapidated relic.

Once a symbol of Victorian elegance, the house had fallen into disrepair, its six bedrooms and grand interiors echoing a bygone era when San Francisco’s elite commissioned such homes to showcase their wealth.

But Brown’s vision extended beyond mere ownership; he saw potential in transforming this historic asset into something sustainable for the future, even as developers eyed the prime downtown plot for high-density projects.

The decision to move the house stemmed from escalating demands in San Francisco’s competitive property development landscape.

The original site at 807 Franklin, nestled beside a gas station, was earmarked for redevelopment into an eight-story, 48-unit apartment complex—a much-needed addition to address the city’s chronic housing shortage, where median home prices hover around $1.4 million and rental vacancies remain scarce.

Rather than demolish the Englander House, Brown opted for relocation, aligning with broader efforts in historic home preservation that have gained traction amid debates over urban density and cultural legacy.

This choice wasn’t impulsive; it involved years of planning, starting with permit approvals secured as early as 2018.

Executing the move required engineering precision worthy of a major infrastructure project.

Veteran house mover Phil Joy, whose family firm has handled similar relocations since the 1970s, led the operation.

The process kicked off days in advance: utilities like water, sewage, and electricity were disconnected, while crews punched holes in the foundation to insert sturdy steel beams.

Hydraulic jacks then lifted the 80-ton structure onto enormous dollies attached to a heavy-duty truck.

On moving day, February 21, obstacles along the route—from street lights and parking meters to overhanging tree branches—were meticulously cleared or trimmed.

Utility lines were temporarily relocated, ensuring the path from Franklin Street west to Golden Gate Avenue, then south to Laguna, and finally onto Fulton Street remained unobstructed.

As the house inched forward under sunny skies, the initial downhill stretch posed the greatest risk, with Joy noting the inherent difficulties of controlling such a massive load on San Francisco’s infamous inclines.

Workers jogged alongside, monitoring for any shifts, while the truck’s modified axles allowed tight turns without jostling the fragile frame.

One particularly nail-biting moment came at the intersection where the house cleared a corner by mere inches, prompting cheers from the assembled onlookers.

The entire journey, covering roughly 0.7 miles, unfolded without major hitches, a testament to the blend of old-world craftsmanship and contemporary logistics in the world of structural relocation.

But why go to such lengths—and expense—in a city where land values skyrocket and seismic retrofitting adds layers of complexity?

Brown’s investment underscores the premium placed on Victorian real estate in San Francisco, where such homes command top dollar for their unique charm and scarcity.

Only a fraction of the city’s original 48,000 Victorians survived the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires, making preservation efforts like this a focal point for groups like the Victorian Alliance of San Francisco.

Fiona McDougall, a member of the alliance, emphasized how these structures form the “fabric” of the city, arguing against replacing them with generic high-rises that lack soul.

The financials paint a picture of commitment: beyond the $400,000 relocation tab—which encompassed $200,000 in city fees alone—Brown navigated approvals from more than 15 municipal departments, from planning to public works.

This bureaucratic marathon highlights the regulatory maze in California’s urban centers, where environmental reviews and community input can delay projects for years.

Yet, the payoff could be substantial; at its new address on 635 Fulton Street, a site that once housed the Bryant Mortuary funeral home for nearly six decades, the house is poised for a rebirth.

With the house now settled on a fresh foundation, reinforced against earthquakes and ready for upgrades, Brown’s plans involve converting it into seven luxury condos, blending historic charm with modern amenities like energy-efficient systems and high-end finishes.

This adaptive reuse could fetch premium prices in San Francisco’s luxury real estate market, where buyers seek unique properties amid a surge in remote work-driven relocations.

But the project isn’t without ongoing challenges; integrating the old structure with contemporary building codes demands innovative solutions, from plumbing overhauls to accessibility features.

The event drew a diverse crowd of about 600, from architecture enthusiasts to curious locals, who likened the scene to a “Mardi Gras procession” as the patina-green facade glided past.

Onlookers like interior designer Victoria Nady expressed fascination with the house’s longevity, while others pondered the neighborhood’s evolving character, hinting at a return to its architectural roots.

This wasn’t the first time San Francisco witnessed such a move; back in 1974, a dozen Victorians were shifted from the Western Addition to nearby Beideman Place over three weekends, preserving slices of history amid urban renewal.

As Brown reflects on the endeavor, questions linger about the broader implications for historic preservation in tech-fueled boomtowns.

Will this inspire more relocations, or highlight the prohibitive costs that deter all but the wealthiest?

In an era where property development clashes with cultural conservation, the Englander House’s journey raises intriguing possibilities about balancing progress with the past.

And as renovations progress, one can’t help but wonder: what hidden stories from 1882 might emerge during the transformation, waiting to captivate a new generation of residents?

Watch: Home is moved by truck 7 blocks to a new location