in the background. There are many architecturally significant mansions on the perimeter of the park, including the William Westerfeld House, the Archbishop's Mansion, the residences of the Russian and German Imperial consuls in the early 1900s, and the mansions on the block diagonally across from the Painted Ladies. In 1984, the Alamo Square Historic District was created by the Board of Supervisors, stating: Demographics The demographics of the neighborhood are characteristic of other urban neighborhoods that have undergone gentrification: many young people and upper-middle-class homeowners, in addition to a diverse older population. Divisadero Street, which divides Alamo Square from North Panhandle, is home to a number of small businesses including a growing collection of hip and popular restaurants and bars, catering to the young tech professionals who are contributing to the booming San Francisco startup economy, and who value Alamo Square's weather, conveniently central location and easy access to transportation options. Efforts on the part of Alamo Square and North Panhandle residents and merchants have led to restrictions on chain stores on the corridor. Neighborhood groups include the Alamo Square Neighborhood Association and the Haight-Divisadero Neighborhood Merchants Association. Notable residents Author Alice Walker lived in one of the "Painted Lady" Victorians across from Alamo Square park up to the mid-1990s. See also Parks of San Francisco 49-Mile Scenic Drive References External links Map of district 5 of the county, which Alamo Square is a part of (PDF file) Alamo Square Neighborhood Association Alamo Square, from San Francisco Parks Alliance Neighborhoods in San Francisco Parks in San Francisco Squares in San Francisco Hills of San Francisco Western Addition, San Francisco San Francisco Designated Landmarks