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Commission asks proponent for more research on Hap Jones nomination at 235 Valencia Street
Summary
Commissioners applauded new historical material linking Hap Jones and a motorcycle dealership to 235 Valencia Street but declined to add the building to the landmark work program without further comparative research and broader community support; staff and commissioners asked the proponent to provide additional documentation.
The Historic Preservation Commission reviewed a community submission about 235 Valencia Street on Wednesday that documents the building’s association with Hap Jones, an early Bay Area motorcycle racer and dealer who compiled a motorcycle 'blue book' used by dealerships and insurers.
Jonathan Lammers of the Planning Department summarized the new information and staff concerns: the nomination notes Jones’ long association with the property and his role in creating the industry blue book, but staff asked for further comparative research — including whether this dealership is more significant than other early dealerships in the city and whether the building is the best site to commemorate Jones’ role.
Commissioners generally expressed interest but declined to direct staff to prioritize the building on the department’s landmark designation work program without additional information or clear community resources to support the nomination. Several commissioners recommended that proponents prepare more documentation or community evidence to move the nomination forward; Commissioner Hyland and others suggested putting the item later in the queue if the community provides the required material.
There was no vote to add the property to the work program at this hearing; the commission requested more information and community support before committing staff time to a full landmark study.
