San Francisco Historic Landmark: Doolan-Larson Residence and Storefronts

San Francisco Landmark #253: Doolan-Larson Residence and Storefronts 13 June 2012

San Francisco Landmark #253: Doolan-Larson Residence and Storefronts 15 June 2012

San Francisco Landmark #253
Doolan-Larson Residence and Storefronts
1500-1512 Haight Street and 557 Ashbury Street
Built 1903-1907

The Doolan-Larson Residence and Storefronts represent and embody the hippie movement of the 1960s. Located on the northwest corner of Haight and Ashbury Streets, the building is essentially the neighborhood's "ground zero", signified by the Haight and Ashbury street names lettered on its façade.

From April 1965 to 1968 the storefront at 1510 Haight Street was the location of Mnasidika, a mod clothing boutique which was one of the first hippie shops in San Francisco. The building is also associated with Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead.

The building has served as a backdrop for photographs and as a location for documentaries about this famous San Francisco neighborhood. The hippie movement had its genesis in the Haight Ashbury district, resulting in a social and cultural revolution that significantly impacted youth throughout the nation and the world.

Source: San Francisco City Planning Commission Resolution 17241 approved 14 July 2006

The mixed-use building on the corner was constructed in 1903 and lifted in 1907 to insert storefronts. It is a fine example of Colonial Revival architecture, a style that is rare in San Francisco.

The six storefronts at 1500-1512 Haight Street have been restored to the appearance they had during 1907-1969. What makes this property distinctive among the dozens of buildings along this stretch is that it has more storefronts than does any other property, and these storefronts possess high integrity.

Adapted from San Francisco City Planning Commission Resolution 17241 approved 14 July 2006

The Doolan-Larson Residence is National Register of Historic Places listing 09001201.

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