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Commission recommends landmark status for Kinmon Gakuen building in Japantown
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended landmark designation for Kinmon Gakuen (2031 Bush Street), citing its century-long role as a Japanese language school, wartime processing center and later community uses; staff added interior window openings as character-defining features.
The Historic Preservation Commission on April 3 recommended that the Board of Supervisors designate the Kinmon Gakuen building at 2031 Bush Street as a city landmark, citing its cultural and historical associations with San Francisco's Japanese American community.
Desiree Smith of the Planning Department summarized the buildings history: the school (also known as Golden Gate Institute) began at the site in 1911, the building was purpose-built in 1926, it served as a processing center during World War II when Japanese Americans were evacuated, and later housed the Booker T. Washington Community Center. "Kinmon Gakuen reoccupied the building in 1952," Smith said, noting the site's role as a community anchor across generations.
Representatives of Kinmon Gakuen and local organizations including the Japantown Task Force and the Japantown Community Benefit District testified in support. Richard Hashimoto, a board member, said the board unanimously approved moving forward with designation; Sandy Mori, chair of the Japantown Task Force, urged the commission to protect one of the citys remaining Japantown landmarks.
Commissioners discussed adding two interior character-defining features (interior window openings at the second floor) following a site visit and staff recommendation. The commission voted to forward the recommendation with those staff amendments; the motion passed unanimously by the commissioners present for that item.
Next steps: the recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors for final action, and staff noted potential interpretive and plaque work to explain the buildings history to the public.
