37.7454, −122.4345 A locator map appears here once a Mapbox token is configured.
Know This Place

District 8 · Block 6604, Lot 036 · ZIP 94131

Lyon-Martin House

651 Duncan Street · Noe Valley

  • 1 story
  • 756 ft2
  • 2,848 ft2 lot area
  • 4 rooms
  • 1 bedroom
  • 1 bathroom
  • Wood frame
  • Zoned RH-1
  • Historic resource
  • City landmark #292
  • Sold September 4, 2020
Land$909,242
Improvements$389,674
Total assessed$1,298,916
37.7454, −122.4345 Street View appears here once a Google Maps embed key is configured.
  1. 1907

    The first building on the lot, a one-storey 20-by-20-foot cottage with rustic siding at the rear of the parcel, was built under a 1907 permit at a cost of $300.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  2. 1908

    Built.

  3. 1914–1938

    The present house, in a different position and larger than the 1907 cottage, was built some time between 1914 and 1938 with no known permit; it first shows in a 1938 aerial photograph, and the original cottage may have been moved and absorbed into it.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  4. 1955

    Bought in 1955 by Daughters of Bilitis co-founders Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, who wanted a house with a view; their longtime home and named as potentially eligible for landmark designation.

    Donna J. Graves and Shayne E. Watson, Citywide Historic Context Statement for LGBTQ History in San Francisco, San Francisco Planning Department, adopted by the Historic Preservation Commission November 18, 2015
  5. September 1955

    Phyllis Lyon took the telephone call here inviting her and Del Martin to join a handful of couples in starting a secret social club for lesbians, which became the Daughters of Bilitis.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  6. October 27, 1956

    The Daughters of Bilitis held a Halloween party here, announced at $1.50 a head in the calendar of the first issue of The Ladder; the house was a regular place for the group's meetings and parties.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  7. 1960

    On the opening Friday night of the Daughters of Bilitis's first national convention, attendees came to a cocktail party at the house.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  8. 1989

    A fire next door damaged the side of the house; Del Martin took a permit to repair it and replace the rustic siding and shingles.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  9. Feb 1989
    Permit 8902864 $$$ $4,200

    Remove old steps, replace with new concrete stairs to code.

  10. Sep 1989
    Permit 8917170 $$$ $20,000

    Repair fire damage to side of building.

  11. 1998

    A new concrete retaining wall was built across the front of the property, replacing the old one.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  12. 2007

    Concrete stairs and a chair lift were built up the slope to the house.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  13. May 11, 2021

    Designated San Francisco Landmark No. 292, Lyon-Martin House.

    SF Planning, landmark designation

2 expired permits are omitted.

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