The Mountain Mermaid is a

declared California historical, architectural, and cultural landmark.

It was originally built in 1930 as the Sylvia Park Country Club

in the mountains above Los Angeles. Later, it named was changed to Rancho Topango.

It was converted into a boy’s school for a time,

and during World War II became a gambling house and brothel operated

by mobster Mickey Cohen. It was reborn as an American Legion hall, movie theatre,

and later in the 50s as a gay nightclub called The Canyon Club.

In the 70s it reemerged as the legendary

Mermaid Tavern featuring world-class music, and more.

By the late 1980s it was a ruin, structurally unsound, and destined for demolition.

In 1989, Topanga artist and illustrator, Bill Buerge, fell in love with the property

and initiated a restoration that continues to this day.

Photographers from all over the world come to shoot at the Mermaid.

It is a local watering hole for town meetings and memorials.

The Mountain Mermaid is a horticultural garden

dedicated and the preservation of our architectural, cultural and natural history.