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

542–550 Pacific Avenue

Chinatown · San Francisco, CA 94133

  • Built 1904
  • Office building
  • 2 stories
  • Zoned C2
  • District 3
  • Historic status: historic resource
37.7975, −122.4045 Street View appears here once a Google Maps embed key is configured.
6,123 sq ftBuilding area
2,866.21 sq ftLot area
11Rooms · 4 baths
  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. May 1991

    Tenant improvement.

    Complete Permit 9108547 $$$ $76,000
  3. Nov 1991

    Ramp.

    Complete Permit 9122072 $$$ $1
  4. Dec 1996

    Bolts plus with correction/steel frames/combination anchors.

    Complete Permit 9623872 $$$ $79,000
  5. Nov 1997

    To erect non electrical sign.

    Cancelled Permit 9722496 $$$ $2,000
  6. Nov 1997

    To erect non electric double faced.

    Expired Permit 9722497 $$$ $4,000
  7. Nov 1997

    Revision of # 9623872.

    Cancelled Permit 9723871 $$$ $1
  8. Oct 2006

    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.

    Complete Permit 200610195528 $$$ $20,000

Not yet documented: the architect and builder, the early tenants and the date of the last recorded sale. Submit an update