A new bronze bust of the late San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has officially taken its place at San Francisco City Hall, replacing a sculpture of former Mayor James Phelan — a political figure widely known for his racist, anti-Chinese views.
A Historic and Emotional Installation
Last week, workers used a scissor lift to place the bronze bust of Ed Lee, complete with his mustache, glasses, and warm smile, on a nine-foot limestone pedestal at the Polk Street entrance of City Hall. The bust was covered with a tarp until the official unveiling.
On Friday, around 200 friends, family members, and supporters — including Lee’s 99-year-old mother, Pansy — gathered for the ceremony. The date also marks eight years since Lee died of a heart attack while shopping in 2017.
Replacing a Bust with a Troubled History
The pedestal now honoring Ed Lee once displayed the bust of James Phelan, a mayor known for his notorious 1920 U.S. Senate campaign slogan: “Keep California White.” His organization, Native Sons of the Golden West, only accepted white males born in California after 1846.
In 2023, the San Francisco Arts Commission voted to remove Phelan’s sculpture. When real estate developer Eric Tao and art consultant Dorka Keehn learned about the removal, they suggested placing Ed Lee’s bust in the same spot — a symbolic replacement.
How the Bust Came to Be
The $124,000 needed for the sculpture was raised privately, as public money cannot be used for political busts. The Rose Pak Foundation acted as fiscal sponsor for fundraising.
Mary Chou, the city’s director of civic and public art, confirmed that Phelan’s bust is now stored securely in the city’s fine art storage facility. The installation followed strict guidelines requiring expert art historians to handle removal and placement.
Ed Lee: A Leader Remembered
A new stone plaque now covers Phelan’s old inscription. It includes Lee’s biography and one of his quotes:
“There is no limit to the success and potential of this extraordinary city if we keep the door of opportunity open to every San Franciscan.”
From Humble Roots to City Hall
Born in 1952 to Chinese immigrants from Guangdong, Lee grew up in public housing in Seattle. After law school, he moved to San Francisco and became a housing rights attorney. Over the years, he worked under several mayors and held multiple key city positions:
- First whistleblower investigator
- Deputy Director of Human Resources
- Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission
- Director of City Purchasing
- Head of Public Works
- City Administrator
He became mayor in 2011 when the Board of Supervisors appointed him to complete Gavin Newsom’s term. Although he never intended to run for office, he eventually ran and won.
As mayor, Lee focused on affordable housing and helping the city recover after the Great Recession. He was also known for supporting tech growth, including the controversial tax break that helped keep Twitter in San Francisco.
Other Mayoral Busts at City Hall
Ed Lee’s sculpture joins eight other mayoral busts inside City Hall, including:
- Dianne Feinstein
- Willie Brown
- Gavin Newsom
- Angelo Rossi
- Adolph Sutro
- George Moscone
- John Shelley
- George Christopher
Each bust reflects the style and personality of the mayor it represents, from Harvey Milk’s playful pose to Newsom’s serious expression.
Creating a Bust That Matches Ed Lee’s Character
Artists Jonah Hendrickson and his partner Deborah Samia faced the challenge of making Ed Lee’s bust feel approachable even while elevated 10 feet in the air. They angled his head slightly downward to create the feeling of a friendly, personal interaction.
From his new spot overlooking Polk Street, Lee’s image now watches over the same steps he climbed countless times — past weddings, protests, celebrations, and press conferences.
What Would Ed Lee Have Thought?
Former Mayor Willie Brown believes Lee, known for his modesty, would have opposed having a bust in his honor. But Lee’s daughter, Tania, said seeing it installed while her grandmother was still alive was deeply meaningful.
“That was the push,” she said. “I wanted to make sure she saw it.”
Conclusion
The installation of Ed Lee’s bust at San Francisco City Hall is more than a tribute — it marks a significant moment in the city’s history. By replacing a leader connected to racist policies with the city’s first Asian American mayor, San Francisco honors progress, inclusivity, and a legacy of public service. The new bust ensures that Ed Lee’s contributions — and his humble, approachable spirit — remain a permanent part of City Hall.
