William H. Ranlett Sr. (July 3, 1806 – November 8, 1865) was an American architect and author.
He moved from the East Coast to San Francisco during the California Gold Rush and is thought to have brought Italianate-style architecture with him to the city.
[1] For two years between 1853 and 1854, Ranlett formed a partnership with Charles Homer (a general contractor), and Joseph H. Atkinson (a brick contractor) in order to design and build their own three houses (in the area now known as the Vallejo Street Crest Historic District) in the Russian Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.
[1][3] It is thought that Ranlett had brought Italianate-style architecture to the city; and both the Atkinson House (1853) and Ranlett House (1853) were the first Italianate style buildings in San Francisco.
[3] Some of Ranlett's architectural designs were published in Godey's Lady's Book, the influential fashion guide.