Historic Preservation Commission adds seven businesses to Legacy Business Registry

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday voted to recommend adding seven local businesses to the city's Legacy Business Registry, following presentations from city planning staff, community representatives and a cohort of high school interns.

The department recommended and commissioners approved additions that include the American Institute of Architects San Francisco chapter (AIA SF), Treasure Island Yacht Club, 1 11 Minute Gallery, Bernal Cutlery, Peasant Pies, Muriel's Trophy Room and Peasant Pies' related locations. The commission approved AIA SF by a 4-0 vote (two commissioners recused), Treasure Island Yacht Club by a 5-0 vote (one recusal), and the remaining legacy business applications unanimously 6-0.

Why it matters: the Legacy Business Registry recognizes long-standing local businesses and nonprofits for their cultural, historical or economic contributions and can make them eligible for technical and financial support from city programs. Commissioners and the public framed the approvals as a way to preserve neighborhood character and support small, community-rooted enterprises at a time of rising costs and turnover.

The presentations were notable for involving 27 Summer Young Planners interns, who researched the applications, drafted executive summaries and presented recommendations to the commission. Several business representatives and community members testified in support. Stacy Williams, executive director of AI San Francisco and the Center for Architecture and Design, thanked staff and interns and said, "we remain committed to this city," as she described the center's new downtown location at 140 Sutter Street.

Commission deliberations were brief and largely positive. Commissioners individually praised the businesses' community roles: Commissioner Wright highlighted AIA SF's programming and historic resources work; Commissioner Vergara thanked the students; and Commissioner Baldauff noted recusals where she had a prior professional connection. Planning staff confirmed the department's support for each resolution recommending inclusion in the registry.

Votes at the hearing: the commission voted to recommend approval of the American Institute of Architects, San Francisco chapter (case 2025-005804 LBR) 4-0 (two recusals); Treasure Island Yacht Club (case 2025-005807 LBR) 5-0 (one recusal); and the other legacy business registry applications (111 Minns/1 11 Minute Gallery; 766 Valencia/Bernal Cutlery; 1039 Irving/Peasant Pies; 1811 Haight/Muriel's Trophy Room; and Peasant Pies locations) 6-0.

Commissioners and several business owners described the designation as a tool to help sustain operations and local traditions. Tim Ferrin, who said he has worked at Bernal Cutlery for 13 years, called the designation "a way to secure our place in the city's future," and several business owners described long histories of community service, volunteerism and cultural programming.

The commission's recommendations will be forwarded to the Planning Department and, ultimately, to the Board of Supervisors for final action on registry additions.

An ending note: planning staff invited commissioners and others to the interns' final project presentations on Friday, Aug. 1, and reminded the commission that the Legacy Business Registry work includes outreach, research and continuation of support for businesses identified as contributing to the city's cultural fabric.