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Historic Preservation Commission approves four legacy business nominations
Summary
The commission voted unanimously April 5 to add the Elbow Room, Longboat Jewelry, Perry’s San Francisco and the San Francisco Eagle Bar to the Legacy Business Registry, following staff recommendations and several public testimonials supporting preservation amid redevelopment pressures.
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously April 5 to recommend that four long‑time businesses be listed on the city’s Legacy Business Registry.
The commission approved staff recommendations to add the Elbow Room (Mission District), Longboat Jewelry (Chinatown), Perry’s San Francisco (Cow Hollow) and the San Francisco Eagle Bar (SoMa). Planning Department staff presented draft resolutions describing each business’s physical features and community traditions and said each met the registry’s criteria.
The designation matters because the registry and associated preservation fund can help legacy businesses secure new locations or access financial assistance if threatened by redevelopment, staff said. Commissioner questions briefly focused on whether a nearby condominium project would force the Elbow Room to relocate; staff replied no planning application had been filed and noted the registry and preservation fund could help leverage a new location if relocation became necessary.
Owners and longtime staff spoke in support. Eric Cantu, a co‑owner of the Elbow Room, described long personal and neighborhood ties, saying he was “very proud to be a part of a San Francisco business that is able to provide so much positivity in people and artistic expression.” John Downing, a local real estate broker working with the Elbow Room, told the Commission he had a letter of intent on a new site and said the pending legacy designation helped secure interest from property owners. Matt Shapiro, co‑owner and longtime booker, called the venue “my favorite room in the city to book” and said the business enjoys broad community backing.
Perry Butler, owner of Perry’s San Francisco, recounted opening the restaurant in 1969 and asked the Commission to recognize its 47‑year history. A representative for the San Francisco Eagle Bar and other members of the music community also voiced support; staff noted the Eagle’s fundraising history during the AIDS crisis, citing that bar manager Terry Thompson raised over $5,000,000 for AIDS charities over an 11‑year period.
On a motion to approve items 6A–D, the commission voted 7–0 to adopt the staff recommendations. The action will place each business on the Legacy Business Registry, a designation the Planning Department will transmit as applicable under the city’s procedures.
Votes at a glance: the motion to approve the four legacy business applications passed unanimously, 7–0. The minutes for the Commission’s March 15 meeting were also adopted as amended earlier in the same hearing.
The Commission adjourned after later business on the agenda.
