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Commission adds VIP Grooming and The Animal Company to legacy business registry
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended approval of two legacy-business registry applications — VIP Grooming (Noe Valley) and The Animal Company (1307 Castro Street) — citing decades of neighborhood service, distinctive storefronts and staff‑recommended features and traditions.
The Historic Preservation Commission on June 6 recommended approval of two legacy‑business registry nominations: VIP Grooming (Noe Valley) and The Animal Company (1307 Castro Street). Both nominations were supported by preservation staff and by public testimony describing long histories and neighborhood roles.
Preservation staff detailed features and traditions to be recognized for VIP Grooming, including the open plan interior, free‑first‑time bath for newly adopted dogs, tubs and grooming tables, large storefront windows and a long record of community events; staff noted VIP began in 1984. For The Animal Company, staff highlighted its long history as a neighborhood pet and exotic bird store, original tongue‑and‑groove flooring and a stained‑glass bird window by a local artist.
Owners and employees testified about community ties and continuity: Rick French (co‑owner) and representatives recounted the Animal Company’s multi‑decade operation and the social value of such small businesses; VIP representatives spoke of staff training, customer relationships and community events (parades, rescue fundraisers). Commissioners applauded the applications as exemplars of legacy businesses and moved to adopt recommendations; the motion passed unanimously 5–0.
Next steps: staff will finalize registry entries and notify business owners of their registry status.
