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Historic Preservation Commission initiates landmarking for former Alameda Emergency Hospital at 34–45 Onondaga Ave
Summary
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Feb. 17 to initiate landmark designation for the former Alameda Emergency Hospital and Health Center at 34–45 Onondaga Ave, citing architecture by Charles Sawyer and two 1934 frescoes by WPA-era artist Bernard Zakheim; staff will return with an Article 10 resolution to the Board of Supervisors.
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 17 to initiate landmark designation for the former Alameda Emergency Hospital and Health Center at 34–45 Onondaga Avenue in the Excelsior/Outer Mission neighborhood.
Shannon Ferguson of the Planning Department recommended that the commission begin the nomination, saying the 1933 complex — designed by city architect Charles Sawyer in the Spanish Colonial Revival style — also contains two interior frescoes painted in 1934 by Bernard Zakheim. "The department recommends that HPC initiate designation," Ferguson said, adding that if initiated the department will return with an Article 10 resolution recommending landmark designation to the Board of Supervisors.
Several neighborhood advocates urged the commission to act. David Hooper, president of the New Mission Neighborhood Improvement Association, said the buildings represent a long-standing public-health asset for the neighborhood and urged reuse for community services. Lisa Dunseth, who authored the background report supporting the application, described nine months of community research that uncovered the Zakheim murals and broad local support. Richard Rothman, a local advocate for murals, urged keeping the buildings open so the public can see the frescoes. "These are murals that should be seen," Rothman said.
Commissioners broadly supported the nomination and discussed technical edits to the designation report. Commissioner Hyland proposed amending the character-defining features to list the skylights "and the relationship to the space below" rather than naming skylights alone; the amendment was accepted. Commissioner Jeong moved to initiate the landmarking as amended; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote, 7–0.
The Planning Department will return at a subsequent hearing with a resolution under Article 10 of the city’s landmark code to forward to the Board of Supervisors. The commission adjourned after taking this action.
