The Doolan-Larson Building in Haight-Ashbury is set to be transformed into a vibrant music and culture hub, thanks to a collaboration between SF Heritage, Seattle’s KEXP radio station, and San Francisco’s Blue Bear School of Music. This initiative aims to preserve the historic structure while establishing a venue for live performances, radio broadcasting, and music education. The new plans include a rooftop venue, rehearsal spaces, and a broadcast booth overlooking Haight Street.
SF Heritage, which has owned the building since 2017 following a donation from former owner Norm Larson, has been seeking partners for this adaptive reuse project. The vision includes maintaining the building’s historic elements while integrating modern features that align with the area’s rich counterculture heritage.
KEXP, with its strong community and listener base, and Blue Bear, known for providing free music education programs, are excited about creating a dynamic “music ecosystem” that blends broadcasting, performance, and education in this iconic location. Although the project will require substantial fundraising, early discussions with potential donors have been promising. The emphasis will be on both preserving the building’s history and fostering its new cultural purpose.
