Small Business Commission approves six legacy-business listings, including 111 Minna Gallery and Treasure Island Yacht Club

The San Francisco Small Business Commission voted unanimously July 28 to add six businesses and organizations to the city's Legacy Business Registry, citing each applicant's long-standing cultural or neighborhood role.

Richard Carrillo, Legacy Business Program manager in the Office of Small Business, presented the six applications and staff recommendations. "Before you today are 6 applications for your consideration for the legacy business registry," Carrillo said, summarizing staff reports and the Historic Preservation Commission's positive recommendations.

The businesses and organizations approved for listing were: 111 Minna Gallery (South of Market, contemporary art gallery and event space founded in 1993), American Institute of Architects San Francisco (AIASF, founded 1881, center for architecture and design), Bernal Cutlery (cutlery shop and sharpening services), Muriel's Trophy Room (neighborhood bar in Haight-Ashbury founded 1959), Peasant Pies (caf/ bakery founded 1993), and Treasure Island Yacht Club (volunteer boating club founded 1966).

The commission heard from business representatives in support of their nominations. Michelle Delaney, co-owner of 111 Minna Gallery, described the venue's role hosting artists and performances since 1990 and said, "San Francisco's identity was built on artistic rebellion, radical creativity, and cultural risk taking." Sharon Yip, commodore of the Treasure Island Yacht Club, said the volunteer-run club "has operated continuously since 1966" and asked the commission to approve the club's application so it could "continue to collaborate with other small businesses to further the city and county of San Francisco's goal to lead the nation in recognizing small businesses."

Commissioners asked few questions and opened the item to public comment. After discussion, Commissioner Christopher Dickerson moved to approve the registry applications and the associated draft resolutions; Commissioner Herbert seconded the motion. President Huey called the roll. Commissioners Benitez, Cornett, Dickerson, Herbert, President Huey and Vice President Zazunas each voted yes; Commissioner Ortiz Cartagena was absent. The motion passed.

Adding a business to the Legacy Business Registry does not itself impose regulations on a property owner. It makes the business eligible for certain city services and recognition intended to support long-lived, neighborhood-serving enterprises.

The commission's action follows staff recommendations and prior review by the Historic Preservation Commission. Presenting materials noted that each applicant submitted a staff report, draft resolution and planning department documents; all six received positive recommendations from the Historic Preservation Commission.

The commission adjourned the item after the vote and moved on to other agenda matters.