Historic Nob Hill from the 60s

History

Built in 1924, Bently Nob Hill features a facade adorned by ornamental details, arched windows, and decorative friezes. The building’s entryway features granite and marble, an intricate wrought-iron chandelier, and a Spanish tile floor.

Throughout the building, floors are adorned in terra cotta pavers offset by hand-painted accent tiles. The baseboards and stairs feature hand-painted tiles and beams.

Inside, apartments have been retrofitted to include modern luxuries while retaining their original style. Spaces in Bently Nob Hill feature graceful curves, arched entryways, detailed paneling, and period-style lighting and tiling. The craftsmanship of the architect, use of natural light, and free-flowing floor plans give these apartments real character.

The rooftop colonnade makes the building stand out on the Nob Hill skyline; this unique ornamental feature was modeled after the royal palace in Marrakesh.

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The Architect

William E. Schirmer designed this building. He’s known for his love of arches, playful detailing, and light-filled spaces.

Schirmer grew up near the ocean on Geary Avenue. After graduating from the architecture program at the Mark Hopkins Institute, he went to work with the famous Willis Polk, who is renowned for his design of the Palace of Fine Arts and the Pacific-Union Club. By 1916, Schirmer was designing homes in Oakland through his own architecture firm. Later in life Schirmer was informed by Spanish-style architecture, which was woven into his work with natural beauty and sunlight.

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