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Commission recommends Article 11 change to preserve the Western Manufacturing (Storek) Building
Summary
The Commission unanimously recommended that the Board of Supervisors change the Article 11 designation of 149–155 Ninth Street to Category 3 (contributory), citing the building’s 1923 industrial architecture, patterned polychrome brickwork and retention of historic integrity; the owner offered a voluntary maintenance plan.
The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend the Board of Supervisors reclassify 149–155 Ninth Street (the Western Manufacturing / Storek Building) from an unrated Article 11 property to Category 3 (contributory).
Page & Turnbull consultant Ruth Todd told the Commission the 1923 industrial building is an excellent example of early 20th‑century industrial architecture with strong physical integrity and patterned polychrome brickwork. The staff report agreed, and noted that a change of designation permits later administrative consideration of uses such as office if owners pursue those changes and consult with the Commission.
Owner Rubicon Point Partners’ president Ani Vartanyan Boladian said the company plans to invest in building restoration, voluntarily prepared a detailed maintenance plan and has sought to retain existing tenants — notably Code for America — as part of that stewardship. Commissioners discussed whether to seek Category 1 vs. Category 3 status and the implications for future additions; staff advised that a building designated Category 3 may still apply for Mills Act benefits and that the code treats a TDR sale as Category 1 for purposes of review.
Outcome and next steps: The Commission adopted a resolution recommending the Board of Supervisors change the designation; the item will proceed through the city’s legislative review process.
