Commission backs National Register nomination for San Francisco Art Institute and urges addition of design criterion

The Historic Preservation Commission voted on Oct. 21 to recommend that the San Francisco Art Institute (800 Chestnut St.) be nominated to the National Register under both Criterion A (events) and Criterion C (design and construction), with staff edits suggested for the nomination form.

Shannon Ferguson of department staff summarized the National Register nomination, noting the original 1926 Spanish Colonial Revival building (Bakewell & Brown) and the 1969 addition, which staff suggested should also be considered under Criterion C for architectural significance. The nomination identifies the period of significance as 1927–1980 and argues national significance under Criterion A for the Institute’s role in American art and art education.

Erin Alberg, the consultant and author of the nomination, said the team originally focused on Criterion A following guidance from the National Park Service and the client’s decision, but acknowledged the Commission’s view that Criterion C is also appropriate. Commissioners cited the architectural importance of both buildings — the original and the later addition — and asked that minor edits (for example, correcting a typographical date for artist William C. “Stackpole”) be made in the nomination narrative.

Commissioner Pearlman praised the complex as “pretty fantastic,” calling the pair of buildings an unusually successful juxtaposition of Spanish Colonial Revival and late‑1960s modern design. The Commission voted to adopt a resolution recommending the nomination be revised to include Criterion C and to forward the revised nomination to the State Historic Preservation Officer; the motion passed unanimously 6 to 0.

Staff asked the Commission to send comments in a resolution that will accompany the nomination materials to the State Historic Preservation Officer for review and final action.