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In the early 1900’s, a group of visionary women, inspired by a club they had visited in Chicago, made plans for an elegant downtown Club for women in San Francisco. It would have well-appointed dining rooms, pool, gymnasium, beauty salon and spa, and overnight rooms. By 1915, the Woman’s Athletic Club was incorporated. A site was selected, architects were hired, and a building was constructed. The Club grew quickly, and a second wing was added in 1922. In 1925, the Club purchased the adjacent lot to the west, in order to establish its own parking lot, adding Member convenience and revenue. The seventeen founding Members created a legacy that has secured its place in San Francisco and California’s diverse history.
By the mid 1960’s the narrow focus of the Woman’s Athletic Club had sufficiently broadened and it was agreed to change the name to the Metropolitan Club. This change became official in 1966. Current Club activities reflect the changing requirements of the Membership. They are planned to fit the schedules of an increased number of professional Members. New categories of Membership have been established for young daughters and granddaughters of Members. Athletic and social activities meet a broad spectrum of Members’ interests. Members enjoy the use of reciprocal clubs worldwide, as well as the privileges of having members of these clubs visit while in San Francisco.
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The “House That Women Built” at 640 Sutter Street has just passed its 90th year and is widely recognized for its architectural significance. The City of San Francisco considers it a Category I historic building (its highest rating), and an “A” rating was bestowed upon it by the San Francisco Architectural Heritage. In November of 2004, the Club received further distinction, and was included in the National Register of Historic Places along with the country’s most historic facilities. This application represents the Metropolitan Club not only for its architecture, but also for being the first woman’s athletic and social Club west of the Mississippi River.
Today, the Metropolitan Club holds to the spirit of its founders, “Women’s Faith in Women” and reveres the vision and independence of these women.