The Doolin-Larson Building, a 1903 Haight-Ashbury landmark where the Grateful Dead hung out, has been gifted to San Francisco Heritage. Bringing the 7,500-square-foot space up to code will cost over $10 million. Heritage is taking concept proposals for a cultural facility, due by the end of October.
One of the most famous architectural landmarks in San Francisco might be completely changing. The Doolin-Larson Building is an historic mixed-use building in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood built in 1903 and known as a famous hangout spot for the Grateful Dead. The upper floors of the building were originally built as a residence, but after the 1906 earthquake and fire, the building was razed and additional floors added below to create ground-level retail. The building was gifted to San Francisco Heritage in 2018 to be preserved for public use and enjoyment, and San Francisco Heritage recently requested concept proposals for a public-serving cultural facility that will take over all or part of the 7,500-square-foot building. What that actually means and what it entails will depend on who, if anybody, submits a proposal to take over the building. It's estimated that north of $10 million will be needed to bring the building into compliance with current code, and that's before you get into any renovations that are gonna be required to make use of the space as whoever proposes something sees fit. Proposals are due at the end of October, and San Francisco Heritage is working with the former director of Smithsonian to sort through potential candidates. I'll definitely keep an eye on progress and keep you in the loop, so follow me for more updates.
