New listing, in a condo building without much turnover: 1170 Sacramento Street. A classic mid-century building from 1963 that squeaks money, highballs, Sinatra. Limestone-clad tower with shallow balconies and good views, especially from the upper floors and all the expected glitz, with Louis-something fauteuils, polished marble, and big chandeliers in the double-height lobby. What was it about the modernist apartment house (The Sumit, The Comstock) that required this kind of safe French decor- a coded message for the insecure rich from the "let them eat cake" school of lobby decor.
In the case of 5B, the francophile esthetic extends through the apartment, from the Second Empire mantelpiece to the walls divided with molding to look like boisserie. Original baths, pink tile and white marble, extra-long galley kitchen. Walnut floors and low views of Huntington Park, the Pacific Union Club, and Grace Cathedral. $1,595,000 with HOA dues of $2103. Very comme il faut or a to-the-studs remodel. Your choice.
· 1170 Sacramento Street, 5B [Richard Bastoni, McGuire RE]