VIRAL: 139-Year-Old San Francisco Victorian House Literally Moved

Just when we thought Mr. Carl Fredricksen of the Pixar animation movie "Up" is the only one capable of literally moving his entire home to a new address, an old Englander House recently made a historic move you thought you'd only see in movies.

After spending 139 years in 807 Frankling Street in San Francisco, the two-story Victorian house found its new home at 635 Fulton Street.

Through the help of giant dollies, the 5,170 square-foot historic house at the heart of Golden City has moved six blocks away from its original address. With a maximum speed of 1.6 kilometers per hour, the green house with large windows and brown front door reached its new destination.

Onlookers patiently lined up on the sidewalks to witness history and take photos as the massive property rolled up the streets of San Francisco.

Moving Process

  According to veteran house mover Phil Joy, it took years of planning before the 80 feet single-family home embarks on its one-of-a-kind journey. In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Mr. Joy revealed that he had to secure permits from more than 15 city agencies before relocating the Victorian home. "We had to get 15 different city agencies to agree to this," Joy said. "That's always difficult for a house," the veteran mover said, adding that the first part of the journey was extra challenging as it involved going downhill. On their way to 635 Fulton Street, the team had to clear the route, including ripping the parking meters, trimming tree limbs, and relocating traffic signs. According to the report, the six-bedroom, three-bathroom house was owned by San Franciso broker Tim Brown. Mr. Brown had to pay moving cost fees worth $400,000.

Moving Footage

ABC 7's J.R Stone captured incredible footage showing how the historic Victorian home went down the street.

"Nothing to see here, just a historic San Francisco Victorian home coming down the street! Today it's being moved 6 blocks for more than $400,000. It's old location near Turk and Franklin will soon be home to more than 60 apartments," the reporter wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Twitter users could not help but be amazed by the said historic move, while others poked fun at the owner's "COVID-related" move.

"Very cool! Glad they're saving a small piece of the history of the city," one Twitter user wrote.

"Wow! I'm totally impressed! It's good that this historical (at least, to me...!) Victorian is being saved from demolition. Thanks for that!" another one added.

One user quipped: "Wow, this person's quarantine game is next level. They didn't even leave the house to move."

Property Value

While the house is currently not for sale, a Zillow listing shows that the home was valued at $6.5 million on its old address.

Mr. Brown sold the prime lot where the house previously erects to a property developer that will soon build a 48-unit eight-story apartment complex on the now-vacant site.

The old vintage Englander house will be combined into a 17-building with a nearby old mortuary.

READ MORE: Discriminatory? Airbnb Pushes Hosts Away with Pandemic Policy