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Commission initiates landmark designation for Royal Baking Company building in the Excelsior
Summary
The commission unanimously voted to initiate Article 10 landmark designation for the Royal Baking Company building at 4767'273 Mission Street, citing its 1935 period of significance, mixed Art Deco and Storybook facades, and ties to the neighborhood's Italian'American baking and macaroni industries.
The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously, 7-0, to initiate landmark designation proceedings under Article 10 for the Royal Baking Company building at 4767'273 Mission Street in the Excelsior neighborhood.
Planner Frances McMillan presented staff's recommendation, describing the building as significant for its 1935 period of significance, its distinctive mixed Art Deco and Storybook commercial facades, and its historical association with the neighborhood's Italian'American community and local baking and macaroni industries. "The draft landmark designation fact sheet before you today was prepared by SF Heritage and department staff," McMillan said, summarizing exterior character-defining features such as the pitched roof with a three-pronged parapet, decorative fins, rounded corners, glazed ceramic tile cladding, and a painted Royal Baking Company sign.
Representatives from the supervisor's office and San Francisco Heritage spoke in support. Monica Chen Chia, speaking for Supervisor Safa'i's office, said the nomination grew from community outreach and local business support. Woody LaVounty of San Francisco Heritage said the building is "a recognized icon, if not an unofficial landmark, of the Excelsior District" and noted the site's long association with Italian'American businesses.
Staff advised the commission that the property owner has been notified and that no owner, public or neighborhood opposition was known. Commissioners asked staff to continue historical research, including more people- and product-focused documentation for the landmark report; staff said they would work with SF Heritage on additional research and outreach, including a planned neighborhood event in late March.
A motion to initiate Article 10 landmark designation was moved and seconded and passed unanimously, with the recorded vote: Black, Foley, Johns, Pearlman, Sowell, Matsuda and Hyland voting "yes." Staff will return at a subsequent hearing with a resolution recommending Article 10 designation to the Board of Supervisors.
