Commission initiates landmark designation for Casa Sanchez building in the Mission

The Historic Preservation Commission voted Jan. 20 to initiate local landmark designation for the Casa Sanchez Building on Fourth Street in the Mission, following a staff recommendation and presentations documenting the building's history and cultural role in the Latino business community.

Desiree Aranda, who authored the draft National Register nomination, said the Casa Sanchez family business opened in the city in 1924 and "remains the longest operating tamale and tortilla factory in the city," arguing that the building is a living legacy of Mexican American and Latino history in San Francisco. Anne Cervantes and colleagues prepared the nomination on behalf of San Francisco Heritage; staff said the property owner has been notified and is supportive of the initiation.

The department's presentation said Casa Sanchez was added to the landmark-designation work program in 2016 to diversify the city's landmarks and that the period of significance for the proposed local designation runs from 1968 (when the business opened in the Fourth Street building) through 2011 (when it closed). Presenters noted the building's role in local commerce and festivals and said oral histories and previously unseen photographs have informed the draft nomination.

Supervisor Ronan's office submitted a supporting statement read into the record by Amy Beinart, legislative aide, and community advocates urged designation as a step toward stabilizing Latino cultural and commercial sites in the Calle 24/Calle de Cuatro cultural district. The commission voted to initiate the landmark designation on a unanimous 7-0 vote.

The initiation does not itself complete designation: staff said the Department will continue research, outreach, and formal hearings required under the local landmark process before the commission considers final designation.