Portola

380 Bacon St, San Francisco, CA 94134

At the time the scale model of San Francisco was built, the Portola neighborhood was fondly known as “the Garden District.” The 1938 model includes dozens of greenhouses that grew flowers for the boarding houses, hotels, restaurants, and more upscale homes of the Bay Area. Truck farms that grew produce for market took advantage of Portola’s sunny, valley location. The model also depicts the North Basin Reservoir and the Avenue Theater, an art deco movie theater built in 1927. There is also a mistake made by the scale-model builders—can you spot it?

Originally settled by Maltese and Jewish immigrants, the neighborhood has been known as Little Jerusalem and the Flat, and it now is home to a vibrant and diverse community. Portola claims one of the highest rates of single-family-home ownership in San Francisco, and large lots have continued to encourage gardening. Now entering its thirteenth year, the Portola Garden Tour offers a chance to explore yards and meet neighbors every September.