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]
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]
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]
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]
| 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] |
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]
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]
| 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 |
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]
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]
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]