37.7975, −122.4045 A locator map appears here once a Mapbox token is configured.
Know This Place

District 3 · Block 0163, Lot 008 · ZIP 94133

542–550 Pacific Avenue

Office building

  • 2 stories
  • 6,123 ft2
  • 2,866.21 ft2 lot area
  • 3 residential units
  • 11 rooms
  • 4 bathrooms
  • Zoned C2
  • Historic resource
37.7975, −122.4045 Street View appears here once a Google Maps embed key is configured.
  1. 1901

    Purcell's The So Different, the most important of the Barbary Coast's African American clubs, was founded here no later than 1901 by two former Pullman porters, Louis Purcell and Sam King. It is reputedly where the Turkey Trot was invented; it became the Elite Cafe in 1915.

    African American Citywide Historic Context Statement, adopted 2024
  2. 1904

    Built.

  3. May 1991
    Permit 9108547 $$$ $76,000

    Tenant improvement.

  4. Nov 1991
    Permit 9122072 $$$ $1

    Ramp.

  5. Dec 1996
    Permit 9623872 $$$ $79,000

    Bolts plus with correction/steel frames/combination anchors.

  6. Oct 2006
    Permit 200610195528 $$$ $20,000

    Remove existing non-bearing partitions and install new partitions at new location. install interior glazing & interior doors. install new carpet, hardwood floors. no exterior work.

3 expired or cancelled permits are omitted.

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