Historic Preservation Commission adds three long‑running businesses to San Francisco Legacy Business Registry

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to add Oscar’s Photo Lab, PACT Inc., and Shaw Shoes to the city’s Legacy Business Registry.

Planning staff told commissioners the three nominees represent longstanding businesses and organizations that have contributed to San Francisco’s cultural and commercial life. Michelle Langley of the planning department said Oscar’s Photo Lab, founded in 1982 and later run by the DeMirajang family, “not only provides essential photo services, but also serves as a hub for the photography community.” Staff recommended a resolution supporting each nomination.

Annette Dennett, speaking for PACT Inc., described a six‑decade history of student services and college‑access programs and said the group had served “60,000 students in this 61 years.” Lorenzo Rosas, a legislative aide, read a statement from a supervisor endorsing Shaw Shoes as a Cow Hollow institution since 1970. Vartan Dimerjan, owner of Oscar’s Photo Lab, told the commission his family business has “been around for 42 years” and expressed hope the designation will help it continue.

Commissioners thanked applicants and staff, noting the program’s role in recognizing minority‑founded organizations and small family businesses. A motion to approve all three nominations was moved and seconded and passed 5‑0.

The commission’s action places the nominations on the Legacy Business Registry; staff will continue administrative processing per program rules.