Interesting facts and History

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History

The notoriety of Hayes Valley arose when film director Erich von Stroheim chose the corner of Hayes and Laguna for the filming of his 1924 epic "Greed." A 19th-century Victorian built in the early 1880s by Col. Michael Hayes as an amusement pavilion drew him to this location. Rumor has it Hayes constructed the building to lure an extension of the streetcar line to Hayes Valley. The building survived the 1906 earthquake and fire and at the time of filming was occupied only on the ground floor, by a French laundry and the Hayes Valley Pharmacy, which remained in business until the 1960s. Stroheim created signs for a dentist's office and a photographer's workplace for the movie, which fooled some locals into believing they were real. The film included several shots from the top floor of the building looking down on Hayes Valley. He also used 595-597 Hayes, a building that acted as a storeroom in the 1920s, as the site of the saloon in the film.

What differentiates Hayes Valley from some other neighborhoods in San Francisco is that it has managed to retain a sense of community and a nonexclusive feel despite the fast build-up and high price tags. Some of the businesses that braved the less-than-savory days are still around, such as the Hayes Street Grill, now twice its original size. Many of the shops developed in the '90s, making Hayes Valley a real destination spot. The combination results in a wide diversity in clientele. While high-end San Franciscans sip $10 cocktails at Absinthe, down the street many are comsuming down an entire meal for around the same price at Flipper's. Now, tourists also head here specifically for the shopping, for one-of-a-kinds like a buffalo-leather chair or an exclusive Sue Wong Art Deco gown. 

 

 Our vibrant neighborhood, Hayes Valley, Is proof, that when a small group of enterprising shop owners put their muscle together, earth can be moved!  In October of 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake damaged the Central Freeway, which used to cut Hayes Valley in half. Early in 1990, repairs were attempted, but failed. The freeway was deemed useless. 

 

Starting with their first demonstration under the freeway, calling for its demolition, the few brave merchants who had opened shops in 1989 and 1990, began the movement to regain Hayes Valley.  After several meetings with the mayor and with California Transportation, the freeway was torn down.  In 1992, a re-opening ceremony was held in the 400 block of Hayes Street, once under the shadow of the freeway, then an exciting new beginning.   From there, the merchants and neighbors met with city planners to map out a new boulevard and green space which is now Octavia Boulevard and Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley. 

Fast Forward to 2008…after many Block Parties, self promotion  and lots of hard work by many new merchants, Hayes Valley has become “THE” most vibrant shopping and dining district of San Francisco, where, chain stores are BANNED !!