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Historic Preservation Commission recommends nine inaugural Legacy Business nominations
Summary
The Commission unanimously recommended approval of nine initial Legacy Business Registry nominations — including Specs 12 Adler Museum Cafe, Pacific Cafe, Community Boards and Gilman's Kitchens — and discussed outreach tools and criteria refinements for the program.
The Historic Preservation Commission on July 20 recommended that nine businesses and nonprofits be advanced to the Legacy Business Registry and asked staff to refine outreach and storytelling tools for future nominations.
Stephanie Cisneros of the Planning Department presented nine applications submitted by the June 20 deadline and recommended that each met the Registry's criterion of contributing to neighborhood history or identity. The batch included Specs 12 Adler Museum Cafe (founded 1968), Toy Boat Dessert Cafe (1982), Pacific Cafe (1974), Lone Star Saloon (established 1989; eligible under displacement provisions), Gilman's Kitchens and Baths (1954) and Community Boards (a nonprofit founded 1976), among others.
Ellie Simmons, owner of Specs 12 Adler Museum Cafe, told commissioners that a 10‑year lease benefit associated with the program would be "extremely important" to keeping the family business going and described the cafe's union and maritime roots. Richard Carrillo read a statement on behalf of 2 Jacks Nicks Place and Justin Lowenthal spoke on the 60‑plus‑year history of Gilman's Kitchens and Baths. Anthony Vierkamp of the National Trust for Historic Preservation praised the Registry as an important tool and recommended case reports include more detail on intangible traditions and cultural practices that make a business "a living history."
Commissioners discussed how the City should present registered businesses to the public — suggesting a registry website, printable stickers or window logos linking to a public narrative — and asked staff to consider a template to highlight each business's history and traditions. Staff said applications will be refined and translated into multiple languages and confirmed a marketing team is developing a logo and outreach materials.
Commissioner Matsuda moved to approve all nine nominations; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously (7–0). The Commission's recommendation now moves to the Small Business Commission and related administrative steps for listing and outreach.
What happens next: staff will coordinate with the Office of Small Business on marketing and application refinements and will return future batches of nominations to the Commission for recommendation.
