The Summit, located at 999 Green Street in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, is a renowned condominium tower known for its luxurious living and iconic status. Developed by Joseph Eichler and designed by Niell Smith and Associates, this building was constructed between 1964 and 1965. With its 25 floors of residential condominiums, The Summit offers fabulous views of Downtown, San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and the East Bay.
Building Features and Architectural Design
- Iconic Structure: The Summit, with its 32 stories including seven floors of parking, towers 330 feet above Green Street and more than 600 feet above sea level. Its swooping silhouette is visible for miles, contributing to its reputation as one of San Francisco's swankiest condominium towers.
- Variety of Residences: Originally built with one or two-bedroom floor plans, the building now features custom home plans created by combining adjacent homes. One-bedroom homes begin at about 800 square feet, while the largest homes are over 2,000 square feet.
Historical Significance
- Eichler's Dream: For developer Joseph Eichler, The Summit was more than a real estate venture; it was a dream. He even moved into one of its two-story penthouses. However, the building also contributed to the financial problems that led to the sinking of Eichler Homes, Inc.
- Modern to Contemporary: Over the years, The Summit has lost many of its original Eichlerian features, with apartments undergoing significant modifications to meet modern luxury standards.
- Prime Russian Hill Location: The Summit is situated in one of the city's most charming and historic neighborhoods, Russian Hill, known for its Bay Area Arts and Crafts tradition and historic houses.
- Cultural Heritage: The neighborhood survived the 1906 Earthquake and fire, thanks to the efforts of brave neighbors, and continues to be a testament to San Francisco's resilience and architectural heritage.