Historic Preservation Commission recommends five businesses for Legacy Business Registry

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Feb. 19 voted unanimously to recommend five businesses for placement on the city’s Legacy Business Registry, a staff‑backed action intended to recognize and support longstanding neighborhood businesses.

Commissioners voted 7–0 to recommend the Gargangelo Museum (225 San Leandro Way), Phaedrus BMW (1641 Jackson Street), Rims and Goggles (3568 Sacramento Street), Hamano Sushi (1332 Castro Street), and 1 Union Recording Studios (1 Union Street, Suite 240) for the registry. Staff presented each application and recommended adoption of resolutions forwarding the businesses to the Office of Small Business for final consideration.

The Legacy Business Registry nomination is intended to acknowledge businesses that contribute to the city’s cultural and economic life. Heather Samuels, planning department staff, introduced the group of five applications and provided staff descriptions and the department’s recommendation. "The department is very supportive of this application and supports a resolution to recommend the Gargangelo Museum to the Legacy Business Registry," Samuels said during the hearing.

The businesses presented a mix of cultural, commercial and creative uses. Staff described the Gargangelo Museum as a folk‑art home and studio that, according to the presentation, became San Francisco landmark number 318 in 2024 and has long hosted performances and tours. Phaedrus BMW, founded in 1979 and operating in the Nob Hill/Van Ness corridor since 1990, was described as a full‑service BMW and MINI repair shop housed in a 1914 garage building staff recommended for recognition. Rims and Goggles, founded in 1975, was presented as a nearly 50‑year independent eyewear retailer; Hamano Sushi (incorporated Feb. 15, 1990) was described as a longstanding Noe Valley sushi counter and omakase restaurant; and 1 Union Recording Studios (founded in 1994) was presented as a longtime audio post‑production facility that recovered from a 2017 fire and provides pro bono time to community organizations.

During public comment, Woody LaBounty of San Francisco Heritage told commissioners he supported all five nominations and urged consideration of landmarking for the building that houses Phaedrus BMW. Business owner Greg Angelo, representing the Gargangelo Museum, thanked commissioners and staff and described the designation process as meaningful for his work.

Commission discussion that preceded the motion included praise for the diversity of businesses and their roles in neighborhoods. Commissioner Vergara moved the recommendation to forward the five businesses; the motion was seconded and called for a roll call vote. The motion passed unanimously, with Commissioners Barone, Baldauff, Vergara, Wright, Foley, Nagas Warren and Commission President Matsuda recorded as voting yes.

Next steps: the commission’s action forwards recommendations to the Office of Small Business (the Small Business Commission) for potential addition to the Legacy Business Registry. The staff presentations and supporting materials remain available through the city’s SF Cultural Heritage online system.

Votes at a glance

- Recommendation to forward five Legacy Business Registry nominations (Gargangelo Museum; Phaedrus BMW; Rims and Goggles; Hamano Sushi; 1 Union Recording Studios) — Motion to recommend approval passed unanimously, 7–0.