Van Ness Avenue

Van Ness Avenue
Van Ness Avenue near San Francisco City Hall in 2024
Former name(s)Marlette Street
Part of US 101 between the Central Freeway and Lombard Street
NamesakeJames Van Ness
Maintained bySan Francisco DPW, Caltrans
Length4.2 mi (6.8 km)[1]
Nearest metro station Van Ness station
South endCesar Chavez (Army) Street
Major
junctions
North endAquatic Park Pier

Van Ness Avenue is a north–south thoroughfare in San Francisco, California. Originally named Marlette Street, the street was renamed[when?] in honor of the city's sixth mayor, James Van Ness.[2][3]

The main part of Van Ness Avenue runs from Market Street near the Civic Center north to Bay Street at Fort Mason. South Van Ness Avenue is the portion of Van Ness south of Market Street, continuing through the city's South of Market and Mission districts to end at Cesar Chavez Street. This southern segment was formerly a continuation of Howard Street, having been renamed by resolution of the Board of Supervisors on August 22, 1932.[4]

The route is designated US 101 from the Central Freeway at the convergence of South Van Ness, Howard Street, and 13th Street, north to Lombard Street.[5] Landmarks along the route include the San Francisco City Hall, the War Memorial Opera House, and Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall.

  1. ^ "Van Ness Avenue" (Map). Google Maps.
  2. ^ San Francisco Planning Department (2009). "Area Plan: Van Ness Avenue". City & County of San Francisco. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  3. ^ "Early San Francisco Street Names: 1846-1849". San Francisco Museum. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  4. ^ "LIFE IN THE MISSION by Frank R. Quinn - FoundSF". www.foundsf.org.
  5. ^ The location of Van Ness Avenue, Google Map