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Commission names Paper Tree a Legacy Business after testimony on 50‑year neighborhood role
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend Paper Tree (origami and Japanese art supplies) for the Legacy Business Registry after owners and community members described 50 years of continuous operation and cultural contributions to Japantown.
The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended Paper Tree, a third‑generation family business selling origami and Japanese art supplies, for listing on the Legacy Business Registry.
Shelly Caltagirone (preservation staff) presented the application and the staff recommendation. Linda Mihara, co‑owner, told the commission the store — founded by her grandfather and relocated to Buchanan Street in the 1970s — has been a local and international destination for origami enthusiasts and supports community events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival. Representatives from the Japantown Task Force and neighborhood speakers described the business’s cultural contributions, including workshops, festival support and long‑running public programs.
Commissioners praised the nomination and noted the Registry’s role in raising awareness of small, long‑standing local businesses. The commission approved the recommendation by unanimous vote.
The commission also heard a marketing and branding presentation for the Legacy Business Registry (a separate informational item) from a design firm, which showed a final logo concept and suggested applications (plaques, certificates, banners and translated materials) to help businesses display the designation.
