Yet Still Another Fun Filled Fact ‘Bout San Francisco: Maiden Lane

From the SFHotelStories History File: Streets

Maiden Lane

Maiden Lane, the exclusive shopping promenade of high-end retail shops adjacent to Union Square, may be the destination of big spenders. However, the little two-block long enclave has a history that defies its present.

Before the 1906 Earthquake and Fire it was known as Morton Alley, and had a reputation of, eh, shall we say, for the oldest profession. Historian have noted that when a proper-Parasole'd lady of Victorian era accidentally wandered onto Morton's Alley, she was met a diatribe of epithets that would have made Al Pacino's Scarface blush.

In an attempt to distance itself from its controversial past, The city went through several names for the street formerly known as Morton Alley. Within 25 years it was known as Union Square Avenue, then Manila Avenue. It was as finally given its current name, Maiden Lane, in 1922.

You may have not heard of the Men's clothiers ISAIA, but I am sure you know the architect who designed the building they are located in, Frank Lloyd Wright. There is only one Frank Lloyd Wright building in San Francisco, and it's on Maiden Lane.

Some of the most exclusive high-end retail shops such as Fendi and Gucci, found in the great capitals of the world can be found there. Shops such as Fendi and Gucci can only be found on Maiden Lane