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Commission unanimously moves to initiate landmark designation for R. L. Goldberg Building after public support and historical briefing
Summary
Planning staff found the R. L. Goldberg Building (182'198 Goff Street) eligible for Article 10 designation for its architecture and potential association with Rube Goldberg. Public speakers and the report's author urged designation; the commission voted 7-0 to initiate proceedings.
The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to initiate local landmark-designation proceedings for the R. L. Goldberg Building at 182'198 Goff Street in Hayes Valley.
Planning staff presented a draft designation report noting the building's 1911 construction, significant early-20th-century mixed-use architecture and three unusually intact historic storefronts. The report observed a possible but not fully documented association with cartoonist Rube Goldberg and therefore emphasized architectural significance as the primary basis for designation.
Several public speakers, including a resident of the building, Edward Yarbrough (the report author referenced in staff materials) and Beverly Upton, expressed strong support for designation and provided historical context and family connections. Yarbrough summarized archival searches and directories showing periodic occupancy that support an association with Goldberg during the early 20th century.
Commissioner Pearlman moved to recommend initiation of landmark designation; the motion carried unanimously on roll call, 7-0. Staff said the item will be brought back for a subsequent hearing with the commission's recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
