Commission initiates landmark designations for Pullman Hotel, Union Hall, Hotel Utah and a new Clyde & Crooks district

The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to initiate Article 10 and Article 11 landmark designation proceedings on multiple properties identified through the Central SoMa historic-resources surveys.

Desiree Smith (department staff) introduced draft case reports recommending individual Article 10 landmark initiation for 228248 Townsend Street (the former New Pullman Hotel), the Pile Drivers/Bridge & Structural Iron Workers Local 77 Union Hall at 457 Brannan/Bridal Street, and the Hotel Utah at 500504 Fourth Street. Staff also recommended initiating the Clyde & Crooks Warehouse Historic District and proposed changes to the Kearny Market Mason-Sutter Conservation District boundaries to add several buildings.

Staff summarized the historic contexts, periods of significance and the public outreach performed during the Central SoMa survey. Members of the public from the Clyde & Crooks area and other owners said they learned about the proposed designations only recently and asked questions about notice and potential constraints. Staff responded that property owners were notified during the Central SoMa process, that the initiation is only the start of a multi-step process with at least five further hearings before designation, and that staff will continue outreach and technical assistance.

Commissioners debated owner engagement and whether to take items together. The commission ultimately moved to initiate items 10 a, b, c, d and f together and the motion passed unanimously, 7 to 0. Staff noted these initiations will return for future hearings and that owners and applicants will have multiple further opportunities to participate in the designation process.