Welcome to the McElroy Octagon House, a unique piece of San Francisco’s architectural history. Situated in the Cow Hollow neighborhood, this eight-sided marvel was constructed between 1860 and 1861 by William C. McElroy, a wood miller, and his wife Harriet Shober. The couple purchased the land in 1859, originally building the house across the street from its current location.
The McElroy Octagon House is a testament to the innovative spirit of the 19th century, embracing the octagonal architectural style popularized by Orson Squire Fowler, who believed that this shape offered more efficient interior layouts and better light and ventilation. The house was originally designed with two floors, each containing four rooms and connected by a central winding staircase. The McElroy family resided here until the 1880s, after which the house became a rental property. One notable tenant was Daniel O’Connell, a co-founder of the Bohemian Club, an influential San Francisco social club.
In 1906, the house suffered significant damage during the infamous earthquake. It changed hands several times and fell into disrepair until 1951, when the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in California purchased it for $1 and moved it across the street to its present location. The restoration, led by Warren C. Perry, a former Dean of Architecture at UC Berkeley, aimed to make the house suitable for use as a museum and event space. By 1953, it was officially opened to the public.
Today, the McElroy Octagon House stands as one of only three remaining octagonal houses in San Francisco, alongside the Feusier Octagon House and the Marine Exchange Lookout Station. The house not only showcases the architectural ingenuity of its time but also houses a collection of colonial and early American artifacts, donated by members of the Colonial Dames.
Visitors can explore this historic landmark and gain insights into the lives of its former inhabitants and the broader historical context of the city. From its intriguing architectural design to its storied past, the McElroy Octagon House offers a tangible connection to San Francisco’s vibrant history.
