Constructed for German-born confectioner William Westerfeld in 1889, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is San Francisco Landmark Number 135.

He hired local architect Henry Geilfuss[3][4] to design for his family of six a 28-room mansion with an adjoining rose garden and carriage house.

[6][7] Anger filmed Invocation of My Demon Brother starring Manson family member Bobby Beausoleil, Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey, and featuring music by Mick Jagger.

[citation needed] In 1968, members of the Family Dog occupied the house while promoting acid rock concerts at the Avalon Ballroom.

[6] The house was left standing despite an urban renewal project, which claimed 6,000 Victorian-era buildings over a 60-block area in the Western Addition.