Commission adds Julia Morgan–designed Ladies Protection and Relief Society complex to landmark work program

The Historic Preservation Commission on May 15 voted to add the Ladies Protection and Relief Society complex at 3400 Laguna Street to the Commission’s landmark designation work program and directed staff to analyze the entire complex.

Planning staff described the site as a 1.6-acre property that includes five buildings and landscaping; the property was found significant under Criterion A (association with the Ladies Protection and Relief Society) and Criterion C (as an intact example of work by architect Julia Morgan). "The item before you today is consideration of whether to add the former Ladies Protection and Relief Society buildings at 3400 Laguna Street to the landmark designation work program," staff said. Preservation consultant Christopher Verplank, who prepared the draft designation report, said he was surprised the property had no formal historic status and walked commissioners through the site’s architectural and institutional significance.

Speakers including neighborhood architects, property representatives, San Francisco Heritage and multiple residents urged the Commission to add the site to the work program and to evaluate the entire complex and gardens, not only the primary Morgan building. Commenters emphasized the building’s institutional history (the society was founded in 1853), the landscaping context, and the need to ensure future additions respect the campus character.

Commissioner Wright recused from this item after stating a conflict; commissioners then discussed scope and documentation and voted to add the property to the work program, with direction that staff examine the whole complex and prepare analysis and documentation for initiation. The motion passed (6–0).