Commission Initiates Landmark Designation Process for Galeria de la Raza Studio 24 After Heated Public Comment

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted to initiate the landmark designation process for the building long associated with Galeria de la Raza (Studio 24), a cultural institution founded in 1970 and widely recognized for its role in Latino and Chicano arts and community organizing.

Planning staff (Desiree Smith) presented a department-sponsored nomination that cites two periods of significance: the building’s original architectural and neighborhood-development significance dating from 1895 to 1926, and the cultural significance associated with Galeria de la Raza beginning in 1972 through 1984 when the gallery expanded into a second storefront. Staff described preserved architectural features (Italianate/Edwardian storefronts, slanted bay windows, glazed tile bulkheads) and noted the nomination includes portions of the interior exhibition spaces as character-defining because of their role in Latino cultural history.

Carolina Morales, representing Supervisor Hillary Ronen, urged the commission to initiate the designation, saying the building has been ‘‘the epicenter of the Mission’s proud and historic legacy of Latino arts’’ and that the nomination would ensure evaluation and protection of a site tied to Latino cultural history in the Mission.

Dozens of community members, cultural leaders and former or current staff of Galeria de la Raza spoke at length in favor of initiating designation. Speakers described the building as a place of cultural production, community ritual and political organizing, and they asked the commission to start the formal designation process rather than delay it. Artist and longtime organizer testimony emphasized the site’s mural program, Dia de los Muertos work, youth programming and the gallery’s national profile.

Representatives of the property owner opposed immediate initiation and asked for a continuance, citing the owner’s advanced age and concerns about restrictions on private property and use. An attorney for the owner asked for additional time to find land-use counsel and to negotiate with gallery representatives.

Commissioners discussed procedural issues and precedents (including reference to the Marcus Books designation) and the practical benefits available to owners, such as Mills Act tax incentives and planning-code incentives. Several commissioners emphasized that the initiation vote begins a multi-step process; it does not designate the property and provides multiple hearings and opportunities for property-owner input. After deliberation, a motion to initiate landmark designation carried unanimously, 7–0.

Staff said that if initiated, the process requires up to five hearings, with the Board of Supervisors making the final decision, and the department will return with a resolution recommending amendment of the Board of Supervisors if the commission votes to proceed to the next stage.