About
On a charming residential street in Nob Hill, an otherworldly structure arises from a corner lot. Slightly obscured by mature trees, indigenous flora, and corrugated metal fences, the locally-dubbed Spaceship House is actually the home and studio of eclectic architect Bart Prince.
Born in New Mexico, Prince was the protégé of famed architect Bruce Goff, with whom he worked on the stunning Pavilion for Japanese Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Though deeply inspired by his mentor, Prince also cites Frank Lloyd Wright, Antonio Gaudi, and Picasso as major artistic touchpoints in his designs.
In 1984, Prince completed this structural masterpiece to call his own. The open-air front deck features a beautiful, tile-encrusted façade. At street level, metal stegosaurus sculptures guard the property. Other abstract and interpretative metal sculptures pepper the outer walls for neighbors and visitors to enjoy. Around the back alley, guests can see the house’s aft where things get even more space-age with a stucco and wood fuselage dotted by portholes that evoke serious Gemini capsule vibes.
The design is more angular but equally architecturally fascinating.
Know Before You Go
Easy to find via any navigation app. Close to Central Ave (old Route 66) site, restaurants, and bars, this oddity is definitely worth the five-minute detour.
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