Commission hears quarterly update on landmark designation program; directs hearing on New Era Hall

Susan Parks, department staff, delivered the quarterly update on the landmark designation work program for July 1–Sept. 20. Parks said no designations were finalized during the quarter; two nominations remain pending at the Board of Supervisors pending its calendar. Parks noted staff received a new landmark designation application for 2731 Folsom Street and summarized other active and pending properties grouped into four phases to help prioritize work.

Parks described work conducted with consultants, SF Heritage and National Park Service (NPS) grants, and mentioned active projects such as El Rey Theater and Casa Sanchez. She reported ongoing projects supported by HBFC and NPS funding and said staff would meet with community groups about properties including the Peace Pagoda and Japantown YMCA.

During public comment, Mr. Rothman said the George Washington High School study would be ready in October and urged sending the study to the Board of Supervisors before the supervisor’s term ended; he also noted Supervisor Katie Ting set aside $400,000 in the city budget for short‑term repairs to the Mother’s Building but said $4–5 million is still needed for major renovations. Commissioners discussed New Era Hall, where staff said the owner (Crossroads clothing company) had been reluctant to pursue designation; commissioners expressed concern and agreed to schedule an initiation hearing to engage the owner and determine whether to initiate designation. Commissioners also suggested prioritizing Kinmen Gakwan and other properties for earlier action.