Historic Preservation Commission approves 11 businesses for San Francisco legacy registry

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously June 4 to adopt staff recommendations to add 11 businesses to the city’s Legacy Business Registry, approving the slate 6-0.

The registry nominations covered businesses across the city — from the San Francisco Children’s Art Center at Fort Mason to longtime neighborhood stores and music venues — and were presented by Planning Department staff. Planning staff recommended approval for each nomination; multiple business owners and community members spoke in support during public comment.

The vote matters because inclusion in the Registry recognizes longstanding commercial, cultural and community-serving businesses and can increase visibility and access to city resources. Planning staff described outreach and program details during presentations and supporters emphasized each business’s community role.

Staff presentations and public comment Planning staff presented each application in turn. William McCallum described the San Francisco Children’s Art Center (founded 1972) and said the organization serves about 1,200 students annually through studio programs at Fort Mason and classroom residencies in San Francisco Unified School District schools. Heather Samuels, Ed Caro Lopezo, Dakota Speicher, Michelle Langley, Maggie Dong, Kat Yee, and Kalani Okalo presented the remaining nominations and summarized each business’s history and community ties.

Owners and supporters told commissioners why the businesses matter locally. Amy Bosbaugh, program director and former teaching artist at the San Francisco Children’s Art Center, said the organization reserves 50% of spots for scholarship students and called the nomination an honor. Robert Su, owner of Tokaido Arts in Japantown, recounted taking over the family gallery and said, “I’m still here,” describing community support after his parents’ ownership. Several public commenters, including Woody Labonte of San Francisco Heritage, Jerome Walker of Unity Mutual Benefit Association and other neighborhood representatives, described the businesses’ long community service and gave specific examples such as scholarships, neighborhood events, gallery programming and longstanding neighborhood traditions.

Votes at a glance - Case 2025-004057 LBR (Haystack Pizza, 388 4th Street): Approved, recommendation adopted (6-0). - Case 2025-004058 LBR (Moe’s Grill, Grant Avenue): Approved, recommendation adopted (6-0). - Case 2025-004059 LBR (O’Keeffe’s Bar, Inner Richmond): Approved, recommendation adopted (6-0). - Case 2025-004061 LBR (Kilowatt, 3160 16th Street): Approved, recommendation adopted (6-0). - Case 2025-004094 LBR (Phil’s Electric Company / appliance repair): Approved, recommendation adopted (6-0). - Case 2025-004098 LBR (Unity Mutual Benefit Association / Peacock Lounge): Approved, recommendation adopted (6-0). - Case 2025-004109 LBR (Tokaido Arts, Japantown): Approved, recommendation adopted (6-0). - Case 2025-004110 LBR (Shaw’s San Francisco, 122 West Portal Avenue): Approved, recommendation adopted (6-0). - Case 2025-004112 LBR (Steppin’ Out Dance Studio, Mission District): Approved, recommendation adopted (6-0). - Case 2025-004113 LBR (Studio on Chestnut, Marina): Approved, recommendation adopted (6-0). - Case 2025-004115 LBR (San Francisco Children’s Art Center, Fort Mason): Approved, recommendation adopted (6-0).

Commission deliberations and outcome Commissioners did not propose amendments to staff recommendations during deliberation. Commissioner Barone moved to adopt staff recommendations for the slate; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The clerk announced the motion passed 6 to 0.

What commissioners and supporters said Commissioner Wright and other commissioners thanked applicants and staff for the packets and presentations. Woody Labonte of San Francisco Heritage, who helped research some nominations, said the program “support[s] local businesses” and singled out several nominees for their long community ties.

Next steps The Planning Department and the Registry program will proceed with administrative steps to formalize each new listing. Inclusion in the Legacy Business Registry is an administrative designation; the transcript did not identify any immediate funding or other direct financial incentives tied to the approvals.

Ending Commission President Matsuda closed the item after the vote and commissioners congratulated the new Legacy Business nominees.