san francisco news

Tartine Manufactory Opens in the Mission District

Tartine Manufactory Opens in the Mission District

Award-winning Tartine Bakery & Cafe has opened Tartine Manufactory, an interactive 'artisanal playground' that invites customers to enjoy a variety of foods while experiencing their creation.

A Look Inside San Francisco's Luxurious 181 Fremont

181 Fremont is making history in San Francisco as one of the City's most iconic, sophisticated, and most architecturally significant buildings in the last decade. We invite you to look inside the most luxurious new residential high-rise on the West Coast.

Developed by Jay Paul Company, 181 Fremont’s interiors were conceived by internationally-renowned architect and designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, his final achievement before retirement.  Solidifying his legacy as one of the world’s greatest design talents, the building includes 55 residences occupying the top sixteen floors of an 800’ glass and steel saw-tooth tower (which will be the third tallest building in the Bay Area), 181 Fremont is about to reset San Francisco’s standard for luxury real estate and the future of California residential high-rise development forever.

Click on images to see slideshow.

These are the first renderings ever released by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy of 181 Fremont’s final interior features and finishes, based on years of traveling to dozens of countries to source the finest materials available. Diaz-Azcuy’s goal was the fusion of old-world craftsmanship with modern luxury that speaks to the global influences of buyers who expect only the finest things in all aspects of their lives.

“I found inspiration in timeless materials, natural luxury, and the history of San Francisco,” said Diaz-Azcuy. “The care and quality that went into even the smallest details of this building make the greatest impact – it is the ultimate expression of luxury.”

If there is a defining space that captures Diaz-Azcuy’s vision it’s 181 Fremont’s lobby. Diaz-Azcuy spent three years thoughtfully conceiving the grand 25-foot high entrance, which is anchored by an open seating area that he personally designed. Suspended overhead, a flowing fabric shade casts an ethereal light that changes throughout the day. Says Diaz-Azcuy, “To enter the lobby of this building is like walking into a living sculpture.”

At the other end of the spectrum, Diaz-Azcuy spared nothing when it comes to the most minute design elements including the lobby, hallway, and lounge scones that required an artisan manufacturing process. As a result each one is completely unique.

Polished Italian Calacatta Carrara marble throughout the residences’ interiors was selected for its rarity and cut against the grain to bring out a signature deep veining in every room. To achieve this rebellious sense of individualism in the marble, Diaz-Azcuy and his team spent months in Italy, selecting and pulling each slab from the seaside quarry cliffs by hand—which also ensured continuum with 181 Fremont’s sense of absolute architectural perfection.

Even the most palatial residences in the world, however, must still feel like home. For the residents of 181 Fremont, Diaz-Azcuy envisioned them walking through their front doors into another world. As such, the front door hardware were one of the first items handpicked by Diaz-Azcuy. A polished brass handle custom-crafted by Parisian artisans Série Rare will grace the entrance door to each residence, making it feel as if you were entering an old-world, European cathedral.

One thing Diaz-Azcuy didn’t have to envision or create are 181 Fremont’s views of the San Francisco skyline and the surrounding mountains, which are the most coveted views in the city—if you’re lucky enough to be one of the rare custodians of these 55 residences.

Now 30-stories out of the ground sales for 181 Fremont began in May. If you'd like to schedule a private showing of this or any other residence in san Francisco or Marin County, contact The Costa Group!

Article excerpt and images from Forbes. 

 

2 San Francisco Neighborhoods Named Best in America

According to a recent study conducted by Trulia, both Excelsior and Noe Valley were ranked high on the 'live well' index.

Trulia took into account practical items such as health care access and good schools and amenities like access to shopping, restaurants, parks and trails. 

Neighborhoods with the best amenities

Best neighborhoods.png

Neighborhoods with the best family amenities

Home to many urban professionals, especially young families, Noe Valley is known for its classic Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Often referred to as 'stroller town', it's proximity to Twin Peaks partially blocks the coastal fog and wind, making it sunnier and warmer than surrounding boroughs.

The Excelsior district is located along Mission Street and is comprised of many sub-boroughs including Mission Terrace, the Outer Mission neighborhood, Portola, and Crocker Amazon. It is one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco and is known for being the home of Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead.

If you are thinking of making a move to San Francisco or anywhere else within California or the United States, The Costa Group can help. With business partners around the country, we are a one stop shop and can help with all things real estate, no matter your final destination!

San Francisco Market Update for February 2016

Solid Economic Indicators

The first month of the year saw continued upward pressure on pricing, despite headwinds in the international economy. The Citywide January 2016 median price grew 16% year-over-year, while sales volume decreased slightly, by eight-percent. As expected, inventory levels have increased substantially, rising about eighty-percent versus the first week of January. This dramatic rise in inventory is partly accounted for by a relisting of properties which did not sell in Q4 2015.

San Francisco continues to post near-record low unemployment rates, with the most recent figure clocking in at 3.3%. Recent turmoil in international markets has placed some doubt on the continued strength of the local economy. In a recent opinion piece, San Francisco Fed President John Williams stated that “...the economy still has a good head of steam...and strong fundamentals point to continued strength going forward.” The upcoming spring selling season is expected to be fruitful. Between January and May of last year, the median sale price grew by over 30 percent. Interest rates and lending programs continue to be favorable to the growth of the market.   

Click here to read the complete market update.

If you are in the market to buy or sell in San Francisco, The Costa Group can help. We have extensive knowledge of the market, the neighborhoods and will prove ourselves a valuable member of your team.

Welcome to REAL News - The Costa Group Real Estate Blog!

We are excited to share inspirational ideas, relevant real estate news, best in class LOCALES and fun events.  Journey with us through the beautiful city of San Francisco and Marin County to experience the incredible Bay area lifestyle.

The Costa Group blog hopes to inform, delight, and provide you with resources and information about the lifestyle and opportunity that await those of us who are currently living, or those who want to live in San Francisco or Marin County, California. We look forward to serving you. 

“Home is where the heart is” -Pilny the Elder

 


AT&T – Home of our SF Giants!

AT&T IS a big part of our SF community, enjoy the many sporting events on nights during the week. 

AT&T Park, located at 24 Willie Mays Plazz and 3rd/King Street, is the home of our San Francisco Giants.

For the third time in five years, the Giants have earned their title as World Series champions. Aside from their hard work, a big reason for their success is due to their loyal fans.

At the stadium, there is a Costa Group favorite spot, Public House, where you can grab a delicious beer, fabulous eats, and catch the game on the TV or go into the stadium with the purchase of a ticket. You can purchase tickets at sfgiants.mlb.com/Tickets.


SF PRIDE

San Francisco's world-known Pride celebration and parade has been made more joyous this year due to the Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage. The city is full of life this weekend!!

The parade takes place Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 10:30AM at Market and Beale and ends at Market and 8th Street in downtown SF with the theme "Equality Without Exception"

Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

— Franklin P. Jones