KEXP and Blue Bear propose a music center at Haight and Ashbury
SF Heritage, KEXP and Blue Bear School of Music proposed bringing broadcasting, performances and music lessons into the Doolan-Larson property, with financing and feasibility still to be settled.
SF Heritage is exploring a partnership with KEXP and Blue Bear School of Music to bring broadcasting, performances and music lessons to the Doolan-Larson House and Storefronts at Haight and Ashbury.
The September 17 proposal includes radio facilities and a floor for individual and group lessons. [2]
There is a specific project behind the idea, but no completed development agreement. KEXP says its team became the sole finalist after three proposals were submitted in June. A letter of intent establishes the next phase: community consultation, an adaptive reuse plan, construction feasibility and financing. The partners’ boards must decide whether to proceed. KEXP hoped to have another update by early 2027; that is an anticipated update, not an opening date. [1]
The proposal would give this historic corner regular uses—lessons and broadcasting as well as performances. Its public value now turns on the operating plan: who can enter, when activities happen and how the building and programme will be paid for. The announced consultation phase does not yet supply a participation route.
Sources & details 2 sources
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Reporting sources
- Project and community updates
Project FAQ describes the exploratory partnership.
- SF Heritage · September 17 announcement
Reopened September 28: proposed uses, selection process, preservation obligations and feasibility work.
Images & figures
A letter of intent moves the project toward feasibility work, not an opening. Consultation, reuse planning, construction and financing remain subject to historic-property and gift conditions. The partners’ boards must decide whether to proceed; an update hoped for in early 2027 is not an opening date.