Captured in Design: Alcatraz
Homes on San Francisco Bay can't escape a view of The Rock
Have you ever scrolled through Houzz photos and caught a glimpse of The Rock? These days, a view of Alcatraz is a luxury selling point. Knowing the history of this island in San Francisco Bay, one wonders if this has always been the case. Regardless, I've been collecting a group of fabulous homes that have Alcatraz views, and thought I'd combine it with a (I promise) fun and abbreviated history lesson. Let's take a look.
Originally called "Las Isla de los Alcatraces" (the island of the pelicans), the island was once a practically barren rock. Despite all of the changes over the years, California brown pelicans still nest there.
From The Archives: Alcatraz Photos from The San Francisco Chronicle
It appears a view of Alcatraz has been something people have been willing to give up the big bucks (and the small change) to see for quite awhile.
Want a view of the rock but can't afford an SF waterview pad? The San Francisco Chronicle offers some if its most memorable Alcatraz-related photographs for sale.
Want a view of the rock but can't afford an SF waterview pad? The San Francisco Chronicle offers some if its most memorable Alcatraz-related photographs for sale.
This sleek bedroom has a wall of windows for admiring the view of the bay and Alcatraz. This bed sure looks more luxurious than a prison cot.
The first important structure built on Alcatraz was the lighthouse, in the mid-1800s. This was the first lighthouse built on the American West Coast. In 1850 it became a military fort, and later a military prison. It housed prisoners and Southern sympathizers during the Civil War, and it went on to house Spanish-American war prisoners, and conscientious objectors to World War I.
Side Note: Kudos to this photographer for framing the cruise ship and Alcatraz with the window; they look like they are about the same size in this shot. Where would you rather be? Personally, for me it's kind of a toss up.
Side Note: Kudos to this photographer for framing the cruise ship and Alcatraz with the window; they look like they are about the same size in this shot. Where would you rather be? Personally, for me it's kind of a toss up.
Alcatraz became a federal prison in 1934, and remained one until 1963. Many of the prisoners landed on The Rock because they had caused problems in other prisons. Quite a few famous gangsters, including Al Capone and Whitey Bulger, did stints on The Rock. Lucky for Whitey, it's no longer a prison.
In 1972, the island became a national recreation area, and it went on to become a National Historic Landmark in 1986. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco. To find out how to visit, check out The National Park Service's Alcatraz page.
I'm sure those imprisoned on the island dreamed of a long soak in a hot bath, which makes the view from this spa-like bathroom a bit ironic.
This vast outdoor space has enviable views to the island and bay. I wonder if these people ever have Alcatraz-themed parties?
What's your favorite piece of Alcatraz history? Personally, my Sean Connery impersonation begins and ends with "Welcome to The Rock" (it's pretty good, for those four words). Perhaps you're more of a Birdman of Alcatraz or an Escape from Alcatraz fan.
Please share your favorite Alcatraz legend/book/movie/art in the comments section below!
Please share your favorite Alcatraz legend/book/movie/art in the comments section below!
Escape from Alcatraz DVD
Gratuitous Clint Eastwood shot. I swear he makes that face in every movie — except perhaps The Bridges of Madison County — and I love it. The face, not The Bridges of Madison County. I'm yawning just thinking about that movie.
There is a long tradition of gardening on Alcatraz. Army members posted there planted gardens in spite of the inhospitable conditions, and inmates continued this work. The gardens provided a healing element on the island, which saw its share of human suffering. Inmates became very involved in maintaining the gardens, designing them, maintaining them, and even ordering bulbs.
After the prison was closed in 1963, the gardens were abandoned, with some plants dying out while others took over. In 2003, the Garden Conservancy and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy formed a partnership with the National Park Service to bring the gardens back to their former glory, making the trip to Alcatraz even more enjoyable.
Wildflowers of Alcatraz Seed Garden
If you're interested in helping to support the gardens, treat yourself to this bag of seeds.
From The Archives: Alcatraz Photos The San Francisco Chronicle
The collection of photography offered by The San Francisco Chronicle is very intriguing; this shot of a tower is my personal favorite.
Alcatraz Print by Michael Schwab
If you’re a fan of this landmark and of great graphic design, this poster is for you. As a bonus, purchasing one helps fund The National Parks Service.
More:
Travel Guide: San Francisco for Design Lovers
Houzz Tour: Empty Nesters Transition to a Luxury High Rise
Houzz Tour: A Sleek San Francisco Getaway
More:
Travel Guide: San Francisco for Design Lovers
Houzz Tour: Empty Nesters Transition to a Luxury High Rise
Houzz Tour: A Sleek San Francisco Getaway