Longtime SoMa dwellers have likely watched on with a hint of NIMBYism as the posh glass towers of Rincon Hill have risen in recent years, not just to obstruct the view but to become the view. And then they went and changed the name of that slice of 'hood to the East Cut and, well, you know what some of us would say about that.

Nonetheless, change marches on, and the East Cut is emerging as one seriously fancy urban center, with amenity-rich high-rise residences hugged in by San Francisco's world-class arts district, the epic new transit terminal, and the iconic palm-lined Embarcadero. But for those wanting to take advantage of the emerging neighborhood from a single-family home, the options are slim...unless, of course, you have the 15 million bucks to shell out for this lavish contemporary build at 17 Guy Place.

The house mingles well with the look of the modern neighborhood, its facade comprised mostly of glass windows, warm blond wood, and marble. And though just five levels are visible from the street, the 8,000-square-foot home actually spans seven stories, two of them devoted to a guest residence and the rest for the main house and communal living space.

In a house so tall, an elevator is crucial and this home does have one. But for our money, we would traverse the sculptural white oak staircase, easily the structure's crowing moment, every single time.

The four-story primary residence holds five bedrooms and six bathrooms at just over 5,100 square feet. Here, rift cut white oak floors lend a soothing canvas for luxurious finishes like the Calacatta marble island in the kitchen; a floating wall-mounted bench in the open dining area; and a modern marble fireplace in the living room. The bathrooms are also swathed in contemporary marble.

On the entry level, a single bedroom has convenient access to the home gym, wine cellar, and private garage. Another floor houses three bedrooms with en suite baths and a study. The owners' suite is up another flight and has a large walk-in closet and extensive city views.

On the two lower levels, the 1,870-square-foot guest residence has two full bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, its own custom kitchen and living space, and a private terrace. This space is ideal for out-of-town visitors or even as rental property.

Capping it all is a sky terrace with outdoor living and dining space, a gas fire pit, and a perch overlooking the city.

Bedrooms: 8

Bathrooms: 8.5

Size: 7,680sf

Asking price: $15 million

// 17 Guy Pl. (Rincon Hill); for more information, visit guyplacesf.com.