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Historic Preservation Commission backs 15 ‘legacy’ San Francisco businesses
Summary
After extensive public testimony, the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of 15 legacy-business nominations (items 8A–8O), citing multi-generational community roles and cultural contributions; the vote was unanimous, 5–0.
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Nov. 16 to recommend approval of 15 businesses for the city’s legacy business registry, following hours of public testimony from owners, employees and community supporters.
Planning Department staff introduced the nominations and told commissioners the applications met the registry criteria. Stephanie Cisneros said the packet contained a draft resolution for each business outlining “physical features and traditions associated with the success of the business.” The list included Arrow & Stamp Coin Company (Sunset), Britax Fabrics (Union Square), Clarion Music Center (Chinatown), Dance Brigade/Dance Mission Theater (Mission), Golden Gate Fortune Cookies (Chinatown), Navarro’s Kenpo Karate Studio (Mission), Project Open Hand (Tenderloin), Sam Jordan’s Bar (Bayview/Hunters Point), San Francisco Prosthetic & Orthotic Service (Divisadero), Valencia Whole Foods (Mission), VIP Coffee & Cake Shop (Chinatown/North Beach), ZamZam (Haight), Hamburger Haven, and several others.
The nominations drew extended public comment. Dennis Norrington, owner of Arrow & Stamp Coin Company, described a 61-year family business that draws collectors across the Bay Area. Clarion Music Center supporters—including longtime patrons and teachers—stressed its role as a teaching hub and small performance venue. Project Open Hand and Navarro’s speakers emphasized decades of service to vulnerable populations, volunteers and youth programming. Several speakers said rising rents and consolidation threaten small, independent businesses.
Commissioners praised the depth of testimony and the role these businesses play as “anchors” in their neighborhoods. After discussion, a motion was made to adopt staff recommendations for items 8A through 8O. Commissioners Zhang, Johns, Pearlman, Hyland and President Wolfram voted yes; the motion passed 5–0.
Votes at a glance
- Items approved: 8A–8O (15 legacy business nominations) - Vote: Unanimous, 5–0 (Commissioners Zhang, Johns, Pearlman, Hyland, Wolfram)
What comes next
The Commission transmitted its recommendations to the appropriate city bodies as part of the legacy-business designation process; staff indicated they would continue coordination with other city programs that support small businesses and neighborhood retention.
(Reporting note: All quotes and attributions in this article come from the meeting transcript of the Nov. 16, 2016 Historic Preservation Commission hearing.)
