Supervisor Haney advocates landmark status for San Francisco Eagle Bar in SoMa

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss the landmark designation of the San Francisco Eagle Bar, a significant establishment located at 396-398 Twelfth Street. This meeting was initiated by Supervisor Matt Haney, who emphasized the bar's importance as a historic nightlife institution and a cornerstone of the LGBTQ leather community in the South of Market (SoMa) district.

During the meeting, Honey Mahogany from Supervisor Haney's office presented the case for the Eagle Bar's landmark status, highlighting its 40-year history at its current location since 1981. The Eagle Bar is not only a vital part of the local LGBTQ culture but also serves as a reminder of the area's rich history, particularly during the AIDS epidemic when it became a hub for fundraising and community support.

Mahogany noted that the Eagle Bar is one of the last remaining leather bars in the area, which was once home to nearly 30 similar establishments during the 1970s and 1980s. The bar has raised millions for various charitable causes over the years, particularly during the height of the AIDS crisis, and continues to be a significant contributor to local charities.

The presentation included a detailed overview of the bar's historical significance, referencing the 2016 citywide historic context statement for LGBTQ history in San Francisco. The Eagle Bar was found to meet criteria for historical significance based on its events and the influential figures associated with it. The designation would make it the seventh LGBTQ historic site in San Francisco and the first in the SoMa district.

The commission's discussions underscored the urgency of preserving the Eagle Bar amid ongoing gentrification pressures in the area. The meeting concluded with a strong show of support from the community, as evidenced by over 1,000 signatures on a petition advocating for the landmark designation.

As the commission deliberates on this matter, the Eagle Bar's potential landmark status represents not only a recognition of its historical and cultural significance but also a commitment to preserving the legacy of the LGBTQ community in San Francisco.