Welcome to a new SF Heritage short series called “Past Meets Possibility”
On August 1, SF Heritage published a Request for Concept Proposals to transform the Doolan-Larson House and Storefronts into “a dynamic, community-centered cultural destination.”
The rich history of this building at the iconic corner of Haight and Ashbury streets mirrors how San Francisco has rebuilt, adapted, and reinvented itself over time. Between now and November we’ll share monthly highlights about this landmark’s past and encourage you to reimagine the building’s future. You can expect content about its architecture and its links to the counterculture movement, its notable businesses, and how SF Heritage has activated the building thus far.
We’d love to hear your vision for the Doolan-Larson House! Visit haightandashbury.org to download the RFCP, fill out our community survey, and arrange a visit.
Our first newsletter, “What’s in a Name?”, is below.
What’s in a Name?
Who were the people behind the Doolan-Larson name? The Doolan-Larson House and Storefronts was named for its two most prominent owners: Richard P. Doolan and Norman T. Larson.
Richard P. Doolan
The building began as a single-family residence with an entrance at 557 Ashbury Street, constructed for Richard P. Doolan in 1903. Doolan held many jobs during his time in San Francisco, from bookkeeper to attorney to self-reported “capitalist.” Interestingly, the building was designed by another Doolan: Frank T. Doolan, likely Richard’s brother.
As the demand for homes in the Haight grew after the 1906 earthquake and fire so did its commercial life, and in 1907 the building grew—literally—when Richard had the residence elevated to create space for six ground-floor storefronts. This renovation was again designed by Frank Doolan.
Richard and his family left San Francisco from 1907-1911. During this time, the two upper floors were rented out as a single-family residence, and from 1912 onwards, the residence became an apartment complex. Richard retained ownership of 557 Ashbury until his death in 1947; the Doolan family retained the house until 1973.
Norman T. Larson
Norman “Norm” T. Larson, a fourth-generation San Franciscan, purchased the building in 1980 and lived there from 1985 until his death in 2018.
Norm undertook a massive, 25-year restoration effort to bring the building back to its 1907 state. He rejoined the old apartment units to re-form one dwelling, removed old paint from the exterior of the building, restored old woodwork and fixtures, and redecorated the interior. In 2006, the building was designated San Francisco Landmark no. 253, and in 2011 it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
A fixture of the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, Norm hosted parties, fundraisers, and concerts at 557 Ashbury and became known as the “Duke of Haight.” In keeping with his strong community ties, he donated the property to San Francisco Heritage so it would be preserved for public use, enrichment, and enjoyment.
Are you interested in shaping the future of the Doolan-Larson House and Storefronts? Visit haightandashbury.org to download the RFCP, share your ideas through our community survey, and arrange a visit.
Project Timeline:
- RFCP Process Opened to the public: August 1, 2025
- Open House: Every Thursday afternoon, 4–6 PM PT – RSVP at haight@sfheritage.org
- Participation Forms Due: November 21, 2025
- Responses Due: Friday, November 21, 2025
- RFP Invitations Issued: January 2026
- Proposals Due (Next Phase): End of April 2026
- Public Presentations of Finalists: May 2026
- Final Interviews: May 2026
- Project/Partner(s) Selected: June 2026
Questions?
- Answers to all submitted questions will be shared with all participating RFCP respondents on Friday, September 12, 2025
- Submit questions via email to haight@sfheritage.org
- All questions must be submitted by Friday, September 5, 2025
About San Francisco Heritage: San Francisco Heritage is a 501(c)(3) membership organization that preserves and enhances San Francisco’s unique architectural and cultural identity. Since its founding in 1971, Heritage has built on its activist underpinnings and has dedicated itself to citywide advocacy and education. www.sfheritage.org
