East at the 700 block of Steiner with cityscape beyond from Alamo Square - 1972

This block of Queen Anne Victorians has become one of the most photographed blocks in the city due to the view from Alamo Square with the row of Victorians and the cityscape beyond. It is informally known as "Row" or the "Painted Ladies." These were built between 1894 and 1999 by local carpenter/builder Matthew Cavanaugh as single-family homes. Most came with 4 to 5 bedrooms. The Victorian at the end of row, 722 at Grove Street, was built first for the builder. By the 1950s and 1960s, most of these had been subdivided over and over and many were in bad shape. As an example of escalating prices for these home, in 1969 number 712 (second from right) sold for $14,000. It sold in 1976 for $120,000. All had garages added in the 1920s; 722 added a garage on Grove Street. In the mid to late 1970s, the much brighter colors began to be used on these. In more recent years, the color tones are more subtle.