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Historic Preservation Commission initiates landmark designation for the Paper Doll at 524 Union Street
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to initiate landmark designation for the Paper Doll (524 Union Street), citing its significance as one of San Francisco’s earliest lesbian bars and its association with Dante Benedetti and LGBTQ community history; owner and family members spoke in support.
San Francisco — The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to initiate landmark designation for the former Paper Doll at 524 Union Street after a staff presentation describing the property’s cultural and architectural significance.
Shannon Ferguson, presenting the department’s recommendation, said the Paper Doll opened in 1944 and ‘‘is one of the earliest lesbian bars’’ in San Francisco and ‘‘helped to contribute to the development of LGBT communities in San Francisco.’’ Ferguson also noted the property’s period of significance runs from 1944 to 1961 and that the property owner sponsored and submitted the landmark designation report.
Members of the public testified in favor. Beth Lemke, who identified herself as the great-niece of Mona Sargent (one of the Paper Doll’s former owners/operators), said she supported designation to preserve the place ‘‘and the spirit of the business that she created.’’ Property representative Barack Smuha, representing the 524 Union Street partnership, described the owner’s preservation efforts and asked the commission for support in reestablishing zoning to preserve the site’s bar-and-restaurant use.
Commissioners praised the research and the draft report; Commissioner Junk moved to initiate landmark designation, the motion was seconded, and the commission adopted the initiation unanimously, 7–0.
Staff said designation meets three of the Commission’s four priorities for designation, including underrepresented property types and cultural associations with LGBTQ heritage. The initiation directs staff to prepare the formal landmark designation materials for subsequent hearings and for referral consistent with city procedures.
