San Francisco commission recommends landmark designation for Clay Theatre after debate over interior limits

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 5 voted unanimously to recommend landmark designation for the Clay Theatre at 2261 Fillmore Street, forwarding a draft ordinance to the Board of Supervisors after a staff presentation and public comments in support.

Planning staff described the Clay Theatre as one of the city’s oldest single-screen neighborhood theaters, built in 1913 and altered in subsequent decades. Pilar LaValle of the Planning Department said the building meets criteria for local landmark status because of its association with early neighborhood theaters and as an important exhibitor of foreign and independent films. “The Department recommends that the HPC approve the recommendation for landmark designation of the Clay Theatre,” LaValle said during the staff presentation.

Supporters framed the designation as a protection for a cultural institution. “We must protect our unique San Francisco cultural institutions,” said Stephanie Peake, a longtime resident, who asked the commission to designate the Clay as an Article 10 landmark under section 1,004.2 of the Planning Code. Woody Labounty of San Francisco…