Historic preservation panel initiates landmark designation for Peace Pagoda and Peace Plaza in Japantown

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted June 21 to initiate Article 10 landmark designation for the Peace Pagoda and Peace Plaza at 1610 Gary Boulevard in Japantown.

In a staff presentation, Desiree Smith said the Peace Pagoda and Peace Plaza, constructed in 1968, are significant for their association with architect Yoshio Taniguchi and for their role in Japantown’s post‑1906 redevelopment and cultural life. She told the commission the property is owned by the City and County of San Francisco and administered by the Recreation and Parks Department, and that staff concluded the site meets Article 10 eligibility as a local landmark.

The nomination packet documents the pagoda’s architectural features and the plaza’s historic role hosting community events such as the cherry blossom festival. Smith said staff had engaged the Japantown Task Force, conducted oral‑history interviews and received a May 24 letter from the task force supporting designation. She told commissioners that landmark designation would not foreclose future rehabilitation work, but that future projects would be reviewed to protect the site’s character‑defining features.

Multiple community representatives spoke in favor. Karen Kai thanked staff and asked that the nomination emphasize the plaza’s overarching theme of “peace,” while Japantown Task Force representatives Greg Moritani and Paul Wormer conveyed the task force’s support.

Commissioner Perlman moved to initiate designation; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously 4 to 0 (Commissioner Matsuda had been recused from the item). The nomination will return to the commission for a second hearing with supplemental oral‑history material and any adjustments requested by staff and the task force.

Next steps: staff will incorporate oral‑history transcriptions and bring the draft designation report back for the commission’s second hearing and a formal decision.