Zephyr Real Estate agents David Juarez and Donna Sullivan just closed two properties owned by San Francisco notable, Norman Larson. The two properties are located at 27-31 Belvedere and 353-355 Frederick. Both are multi-family residences built in 1900.

Norman Tyler Larson was a fourth-generation San Franciscan born in 1938. He graduated Valedictorian from Willow Glen High School in San Jose, and received a full academic scholarship to Stanford University where he graduated with a degree in Economics. He subsequently earned a Law degree from Harvard and spent a tour with the California Air National Guard. In the 60s and 70s, he taught English to military personnel in the Middle East. He was teaching in Iran at the time of the Islamic Republic revolution and narrowly escaped as the Persian Dynasty fell. He then returned to San Francisco in late 1978 and began his career as property owner and landlord.

Norm moved into the Haight in 1985. He quickly became dedicated to the improvement and preservation of his property, the Doolan-Larson Residence and Storefronts, which, due to his determination, became San Francisco Landmark #253 on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is unofficially designated as the neighborhood’s “ground zero.” He later gave the building to the San Francisco Heritage Foundation. He became well known throughout his neighborhood, earning the title “Duke of the Haight,” a title he accepted proudly.

He was a devoted patron of the arts, music in particular, and was an avid supporter of the San Francisco Opera, the Symphony and the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. Upon his passing earlier this year, donations were requested for those institutions in lieu of flowers.

“It’s been an honor to work with Norm’s estate on the sale of these properties and to learn more about this iconic native San Franciscan,” remarked David Juarez. “The properties themselves speak to his commitment to the care of the vintage structures.”

In honor of Norm’s love of music and the arts, the proceeds of the sale were donated to the San Francisco Symphony. Donna Sullivan and David Juarez both work from Zephyr’s Upper Market office. Donna may be reached at donnasullivan@zephyrsf.comdonnasullivan@zephyrsf.com or 415.370.8845. David may be reached at davidjuarez@zephyrre.com or 415.713.9705.