Commission approves three legacy‑business nominations, including New Delhi Restaurant

The Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 15 voted to approve three legacy‑business registry nominations recommended by planning staff.

Shelley Caltagirone presented the three applications. Dianda’s Italian American Pastry Company (2883 Mission St.), established in 1962 and moved to the site in 1979, was recommended for features that include its Italian‑American pastries and the yellow terrazzo entry apron reading "Elio Dianda and Sons." New Delhi Restaurant (160 Ellis St.), opened by Rajan Day in 1988 and housed in the former 1914 Hotel Ramona ballroom, was recommended with safeguards that include the historic dining room and bar, the Italian marble tile floor, the exterior mural and the restaurant’s role as a South Asian community gathering place; staff also recommended recognizing the restaurant’s community programming such as cooking classes and wedding services. Pearl Market (1201 Divisadero St.), a family‑owned market established in 1982 that serves low‑income and senior residents, was recommended with features to safeguard retail market and deli services.

Public comment included patrons and community members who emphasized each business’s role as a neighborhood institution, longevity, and nonprofit or community programs; Rajan Day, owner of New Delhi Restaurant, addressed the commission about his restaurant’s community role. Commissioners emphasized including community‑facing programs (for example, New Delhi’s Compassionate Chefs nonprofit and food pairings) among the physical and programmatic features to be recognized.

On a roll call vote the commission approved staff recommendations as amended and the motion passed unanimously, 7–0.