Neighbors fight to save Victorian home

The house at 450 Frederick is going through the planning commission with demolition on the agenda and the neighbors aren't happy about it. The owner (the house was recently sold as a fixer) wants to build a much larger three unit building on the property...

"The owner plans to demolish it and replace it with a three-unit building, though neighbors are fighting to preserve the Victorian home built in 1887."

"Though the Victorian details are gone from the exterior of 450 Frederick St., inside the original banister, ceilings, moldings, doors and other architectural details remain. Preservationists say the controversy highlights the importance of conducting a citywide survey of historic buildings to protect similar homes from the same fate."

I saw this home when it was on the market and this fight has been brewing ever since. I personally do not feel that 120 year old buildings should ever be on the chopping block unless they are structurally unfit for habitation. This is not the case with this house. Many of the exterior details are gone, but the interior is in quite original condition.

I do argue for more housing and higher housing density, but not at the sake of San Francisco's character. Especially in a neighborhood where that house will command a much higher price now than when it was last sold and the owner will not 'lose' if they cannot build their three unit monstrosity.