Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Landmark Designation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Historic Preservation Commission recommends landmark designation for Royal Baking Company building on Mission Street
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to recommend Article 10 landmark designation for the Royal Baking Company building at 4767–4773 Mission Street in the Excelsior, citing its association with Italian American baking industries and a distinctive commercial facade; the recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors.
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on May 6 voted unanimously to recommend landmark designation for the Royal Baking Company building at 4767–4773 Mission Street in the Excelsior neighborhood.
Planning staff described the building's significance to the Italian American community and San Francisco's early twentieth-century macaroni and bread-baking industries, and noted the property's unique commercial facade combining storybook and Art Deco elements. "Designation of the Royal Baking Company building meets two of the Historic Preservation Commission's priorities for designation," staff said, referencing priorities to designate properties in geographically underrepresented areas and properties with strong cultural associations.
The nomination was prepared by San Francisco Heritage in partnership with department staff and has the support of District 11 leadership. Monica Chinchilla speaking on behalf of Supervisor Asha Safaie said the supervisor "has our full support in moving this forward to the Board of Supervisors." Woody Labonte of SF Heritage urged the commission to help legacy businesses and heritage properties during the COVID-19 crisis and supported designation.
Commissioner Foley moved the recommendation and Commissioner Johns seconded. On a roll call the commission voted 7–0 to recommend Article 10 landmark status for the Royal Baking Company building. The department will forward the recommendation and fact sheet to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
Context: staff noted the property's period of significance as 1935 and said the draft fact sheet was updated to reflect the Excelsior's late‑20th century demographic changes and additional neighborhood history. There was no opposition reported in the record to the nomination.
