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Historic Preservation Commission adds five businesses to San Francisco legacy registry
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved five nominations to the Legacy Business Registry — Fabrics (Clement Street), Treasure Island Museum, Tenichi (Fillmore), New India Bazaar (Polk) and Sabella & LaTore (Fisherman’s Wharf) — after staff presentations and owners’ testimony.
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Sept. 18 unanimously approved five businesses for the city’s Legacy Business Registry, a designation staff said recognizes long‑running enterprises that contribute to neighborhood identity.
City planning staff presented the nominations and recommended adoption for Fabrics (432 Clement Street), Treasure Island Museum (Treasure Island Building No. 1), Tenichi (Fillmore Street), New India Bazaar (Polk Street) and Sabella & LaTore (2809 Taylor Street). Each presentation summarized the businesses’ histories, community roles and eligibility for registry benefits.
Family members and owners told commissioners why the designation matters. Kaya O’Reilly, representing the Amano family at Tenichi, described 46 years of family history at the Fillmore restaurant and said the business faces imminent displacement after developers purchased the building; she asked that legacy status be more than a label and provide tangible relocation and protection resources. Fabrics owner Keelan told the commission the store rescues excess fabric from Bay Area manufacturers and supplies students, makers and small businesses with affordable materials. Ouro Bhat of New India Bazaar and John Hogan of Treasure Island Museum described each business’s role preserving community ties and history.
Staff and advocates also raised broader concerns about displacement and the limits of current protections. Woody Labounty of San Francisco Heritage said the registry should be strengthened to better protect small legacy businesses from redevelopment pressures.
A motion to approve all five nominations passed unanimously, with commissioners Baldauff, Vergara, Wright, Foley and Commission President Matsuda voting yes.
The designation makes each business eligible for registry benefits administered by city programs, including certain small‑business supports; the commission did not specify additional regulatory protections or relocation funding at the hearing. Staff indicated that the nominations will be transmitted for formal adoption as required by program procedures.
The commission’s action came amid wider concern about ballot measure Proposition D, which a public commenter said could eliminate several city commissions and complicate the legacy business program if it passes.
