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Commission recommends New Era Hall for landmark designation despite owner concerns about costs and delays
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend Article 10 landmark designation for New Era Hall at 2117–2123 Market Street; staff cited architectural and social-historical significance while the property owner testified the designation imposed extra costs and permitting delays.
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted April 19 to recommend Article 10 landmark designation of New Era Hall at 2117–2123 Market Street and to forward the recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.
Desiree Smith of Planning Department staff summarized the nomination, calling New Era Hall a rare example of a purpose-built mixed-use social-hall building by master architect August Norden and significant for its role in post-1906 rebuilding and Mexican American commercial history. "The department believes the building meets the established eligibility requirements and that landmark status is warranted," Smith said.
The property owner, who did not give a name on the record, spoke in opposition, saying he deeply valued preservation but described practical burdens: he said opening an existing entrance for an egress cost about $26,000 and that historic-designation-related requirements added roughly $11,000 to the project, including a $6,500 permit fee, and caused about four-and-a-half months of delay. "We're changing no elements of the historic features of the building," the owner said, "but it's just a shackle on us." The owner’s written opposition (from CTC 33 LLC) was also included in the Commission packet.
Commissioners and staff acknowledged the owner’s concerns but emphasized public benefits. Commissioner Perlman said the story of San Francisco’s landmarks is a public good that can outweigh individual burdens. Tim Frey (department staff) offered to assist the owner with Mills Act application information to offset property-tax costs and noted staff had previously informed the owner's representatives that the property is Mills Act eligible.
Staff recommended forwarding the nomination to the Board of Supervisors; the Commission adopted that recommendation. The action is a recommendation to the Board; the Board of Supervisors makes the final designation decision.
Next steps: staff will forward the Department’s resolution and related materials to the Board of Supervisors for consideration. The owner may pursue Mills Act relief separately through state processes if eligible.
