Historic Preservation Commission opposes rescinding landmark designation for 447 Battery Street

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday unanimously recommended disapproval of a planning code amendment that would conditionally rescind the Article 10 landmark designation for 447 Battery Street, a building historically associated with the Jones Thierbach Coffee Company.

Why it matters: the proposal to rescind the designation is tied to a proposed mixed-use development at 530 Sansom/447 Battery that would include a new fire station and a tower. Planning staff described the ordinance as a project-specific tool that would rescind the landmark only after the city acquired the parcel for construction of a new fire station, but preservation staff recommended the commission oppose the rescission because the commission's stewardship role includes protecting designated historic resources.

The commission's action followed extensive public comment from residents, business owners and preservation groups. Danielle Kuznic, owner of San Francisco Wine Society at 447 Battery Street, urged the commission to "honor and uphold the landmark status" and described the designation process three years earlier. Tom Murphy, a Gateway Apartments resident, told the commission he was "proud to be a San Franciscan" and urged the body to maintain the landmark designation to preserve the city's connection to its coffee-industry history.

Planning staff outlined the project background and noted the project package also includes an environmental impact report (EIR) and other land-use approvals that will be heard at a joint Planning Commission and Recreation and Park Commission hearing. Staff said the EIR identifies preservation alternatives and mitigation measures, and that the department supports the project ordinance overall but that preservation staff had recommended that HPC recommend disapproval of the rescission.

Commissioner Baldauff moved an amended resolution recommending disapproval and adding a request that, "in the event the Board of Supervisors decides to approve the 447 Battery landmark designation rescission, the HPC urges the Board of Supervisors to identify available forms of public investment to further the city's ongoing historic preservation work" including funding for surveys, future landmark nominations and district designations. Deputy City Attorney Peter Milyanich confirmed the added paragraph was permissible for the commission's recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

The motion as amended passed unanimously, 6-0. Commissioners stressed the building's connection to blue-collar and immigrant histories and pressed for compensatory measures should the Board choose a different path. Catherine Petron of San Francisco Heritage described the delisting as "unprecedented," noting the city has not previously delisted an Article 10 landmark, and urged the commission to slow down and consider offsets for lost resources.

Next steps: the commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors; the overall project, including certification of the final EIR and project entitlements, was scheduled for a joint Planning and Recreation & Park Commission hearing the following morning. Commissioners asked staff to ensure the commission's action and the adopted amendment are communicated to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

Ending: Commissioners noted the loss of a landmark would be significant even if the project yields public benefits such as a new firehouse and other downtown investments, and they sought stronger preservation funding commitments if the Board proceeds with rescission.