Station 4
Station 4 (often styled S4) is a large LGBTQ+ nightclub located in the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas, Texas, United States. Situated at the corner of Cedar Springs Road and Throckmorton Street, an area known historically as "The Crossroads,"[1] the multi-venue complex spans between 24,000 and 29,000 square feet.[2] It features multiple bars, a large dance floor with high-tech sound and lighting, patio spaces, and the notable drag venue, the Rose Room.[2] Considered an institution within Dallas's LGBTQ+ community, Station 4 represents the fourth iteration of a Caven Enterprises venue at this central location, tracing its lineage back through previous clubs like Village Station and The Old Plantation.[3][4]
History
[edit]Caven Enterprises and early venues (late 1960s - 1970s)
[edit]The history of Station 4 is intertwined with Caven Enterprises, founded by nightclub pioneer Frank Caven. Caven began opening bars in Texas in the 1960s and established a significant presence in Dallas by the 1970s, particularly at the Cedar Springs/Throckmorton intersection, which Caven Enterprises has occupied for over 50 years.[1][4]
One of Caven's key early Dallas ventures, co-founded with Charley Hott, was The Old Plantation.[4] Originally downtown, it relocated to the current S4 site on Cedar Springs Road after its land was acquired for the Dallas Museum of Art.[4] The Old Plantation faced significant adversity, including reported incidents of arson, sabotage, and persistent Police harassment, but thrived as a popular community space.[5][6] It hosted events like a performance by Bonnie Pointer in 1984.[7]
Village Station era (c. 1980s - 2004)
[edit]The Old Plantation was eventually rebranded as Village Station.[4] According to Caven Enterprises event manager Chris Bengston, this involved relocations, first occupying a building later used by other businesses (and Caven's former 4001 disco), before settling at the current S4 address on Cedar Springs Road in the 1990s.[4] Village Station became a well-known institution throughout the 1980s and 1990s.[8] The Rose Room drag venue was established within Village Station in 1986.[8]
This period was also marked by significant conflict with law enforcement. Village Station was frequently targeted for police harassment, including raids and intimidation tactics like recording patrons' license plates.[9] A notable incident on October 24, 1979, involved the arrest of Richard Schwiderski and five others inside the club by undercover Dallas Police Department officers for "public lewdness" (allegedly for same-sex dancing).[6] Schwiderski's legal challenge, supported by the Dallas Gay Alliance (DGA, later the Dallas Gay & Lesbian Alliance), drew attention to the harassment.[6] Protest graffiti appeared on the building in 1980.[10] The DGA's Social Justice Committee documented these incidents, leading to dialogue with police leadership and eventual improvements in police-community relations.[9]
Village Station also served as a central gathering point during the peak years of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and early 1990s.[1] While specific bar initiatives are not detailed, venues like Village Station functioned as vital community hubs for information sharing, support, and solidarity when institutional resources were scarce.[9] Nearby, the AIDS Resource Center (now Resource Center) was established, providing essential services.[9]
Transformation into Station 4 (2004)
[edit]In late 2004, Caven Enterprises undertook a "mammoth remodeling project" to transform Village Station into the larger, modernized Station 4.[3] This "face lift" involved expanding the physical space, adding a front balcony and a no-smoking room, installing new lighting and sound systems, and updating the decor with metal plating.[3] The goal was to create a state-of-the-art "juggernaut" for the 21st century.[3]
The grand opening occurred during the holiday season of late 2004,[3] confirmed by S4 celebrating its 20th anniversary on November 23, 2024.[11] This rebranding coincided with efforts to promote Dallas as an LGBTQ+ travel destination, with S4 positioned as a modern superclub.[12][11]
Venue evolution timeline
[edit]| Era / Approx. Dates | Venue Name | Key Events / Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s - Early 1980s | The Old Plantation | Founded by Caven/Hott; Moved from downtown; Faced police harassment;[5][4] Hosted Bonnie Pointer (1984)[7] |
| Early 1980s - Mid 1990s | Village Station | Rebranded from Old Plantation;[4] Schwiderski arrest/police harassment focus (1979-80s);[6][9] Rose Room established (1986)[8] |
| Mid 1990s - Late 2004 | Village Station | Continued operation at current location;[4] Central gathering place during peak AIDS crisis years[1] |
| Late 2004 - Present | Station 4 (S4) | Major remodel & rebranding from Village Station;[3] Rose Room expansion (2004);[3] 20th Anniversary (2024)[11] |
The Station 4 experience
[edit]Station 4 provides a large, multi-faceted nightlife environment.[2] The main level features a large dance floor with advanced sound and light systems.[2] Multiple bars (reportedly 15-17) serve patrons throughout.[2] Upstairs, the Granite Bar offers lounge seating with views of the dance floor, while a large outdoor patio provides additional space.[2]
The club primarily plays DJ-driven dance music, featuring both local and international DJs.[2] It attracts a diverse crowd of LGBTQ+ people and allies, often noted for its welcoming atmosphere.[2]
The Rose Room
[edit]A major component of S4 is the Rose Room, a renowned drag show venue located upstairs.[13] Established in 1986 within Village Station,[8] it is considered one of the premier drag stages in the U.S.[14]
The original Rose Room was smaller; the 2004 S4 renovation significantly expanded it into a large cabaret theater with a raised stage, multi-level seating, lounge area, bar, backstage, and dedicated restrooms.[3] It received another major update around 2016.[15]
The Rose Room has hosted top-tier female impersonators, including winners of national pageants like Miss Gay America, Miss Gay USofA, and Miss Continental.[14] It has been a home stage for Dallas drag icons like Valerie Lohr, Cassie Nova (longtime show director), Krystal Summers, Layla LaRue, and Maya Douglas.[14][13][15] It has also served as a launching pad for numerous performers who later competed on RuPaul's Drag Race, including Alyssa Edwards, Kennedy Davenport, Asia O'Hara, Sahara Davenport, Plastique Tiara, Ra'Jah O'Hara, and A'keria C. Davenport.[16] Regular shows continue weekly, featuring the resident cast and amateur nights.[13]
Notable Rose Room performers & alumni
[edit]| Performer Name | Notable For / Connection | Approx. Era Associated |
|---|---|---|
| Valerie Lohr | Longtime resident (20+ yrs by 2007); Miss Gay America system[14] | 1980s - 2000s+ |
| Cassie Nova | Longtime performer/Show Director (23+ yrs by 2016); Comedian[15][14] | 1990s - Present |
| Krystal Summers | Fan favorite; Pageant performer[13][14] | 2000s - Present |
| Layla LaRue | Dancer; Pageant performer[14] | 2000s |
| Maya Douglas | Pageant performer[14] | 2000s |
| Alyssa Edwards | RuPaul's Drag Race (S5, AS2); Miss Gay USofA 2006[14][16] | 2000s - 2010s |
| Kennedy Davenport | RuPaul's Drag Race (S7, AS3); Miss Gay USofA 2019[14][16] | 2000s - 2010s |
| Asia O'Hara | RuPaul's Drag Race (S10); Miss Gay USofA 2007[14][16] | 2000s - 2010s |
| Sahara Davenport | RuPaul's Drag Race (S2)[16] | 2000s |
| Plastique Tiara | RuPaul's Drag Race (S11)[16] | 2010s |
| Ra'Jah O'Hara | RuPaul's Drag Race (S11, AS6)[16] | 2010s |
| A'keria C. Davenport | RuPaul's Drag Race (S11, AS6); Miss Black Universe[16] | 2010s |
Community role
[edit]Station 4 serves as a central gathering place for the Dallas LGBTQ+ community, continuing the historical role of The Crossroads as a sanctuary.[1][11] It hosts significant community events, including the monthly Gaybingo fundraiser for Resource Center, held at the venue for over 23 years.[17] The Dallas Way, an LGBTQ+ history preservation group, has also used the Rose Room for its "Outrageous Oral" storytelling events.[18]
Discrimination accusations
[edit]The venue's history includes documented accusations of racial discrimination, particularly during the transition from Village Station to S4 around 2004-2005. Reports from that time alleged that Black patrons faced unfair scrutiny or denial of entry.[12] Caven Enterprises has stated these issues pertain to past decades.[12]
Ownership and future
[edit]Development proposals for the area have emerged, including a plan by developer Mike Ablon to build residential towers on the parking lots behind S4 and other Caven venues, while aiming to preserve the existing bar structures.[19] This has sparked community discussion about preserving the neighborhood's character amidst urban growth.[19] Station 4 remains fully operational during these discussions.[2]
See also
[edit]32°48′38″N 96°48′40″W / 32.8105°N 96.8110°W
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Gilchrist, Tracy (June 23, 2020). "50 Years Ago, Gay People Took Over a Dallas Crossroads and Never Left". The Advocate. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Station 4". Visit Dallas. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Vercher, Dennis (September 10, 2004). "S4 to undergo mammoth remodeling project". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Taffet, David (November 13, 2015). "Frank Caven remembered as a pioneer". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b Taffet, David (October 21, 2022). "Mike Ablon offers to build around Crossroads bars (mentions 1979 history)". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Taffet, David (October 24, 2014). "Arrested for dancing at the Village Station on Oct. 24, 1979". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b "Dallas Voice, Volume 1, Number 1, Ed. 1 Friday, March 2, 1984". UNT Digital Library. Dallas Voice. March 2, 1984. p. 39. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Remembering the Village Station (Reader comments)". Dallas Voice. December 19, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Taffet, David (August 7, 2015). "Police harassment led to DGA activism that changed Dallas". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Graffiti on Side of Village Station, February 1980". The Portal to Texas History. Dallas Municipal Archives. February 1980. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Nash, Tammye (November 15, 2024). "S4 celebrates 20th anniversary Nov. 23 with 'Journey to the Future' party headlined by DJ Nina Flowers". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c Pulle, Matt (August 11, 2005). "Color Barrier". Dallas Observer. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "DV Hot Spots". Dallas Voice. November 22, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Villareal, Daniel (November 9, 2007). "Valerie Lohr leaves legacy on Rose Room stage". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c Taffet, David (August 12, 2016). "Cassie Nova plans Rose Room refresh". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Lopez, Rich (March 15, 2019). "These 11 North Texas queens have competed on RuPaul's Drag Race". Dallas Voice. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Gaybingo". Resource Center. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ "Story Telling". The Dallas Way. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ a b Brown, Steve (October 19, 2022). "Developer Mike Ablon pitches plan to build around landmark Oak Lawn bars". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved April 30, 2025.