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HPC backs Burr House National Register nomination, urges addition of cottage and interior significance
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission voted 6–0 to recommend support for the Burr House (1772 Vallejo St.) National Register nomination, asking staff to note that the rear cottage may be significant under Criterion A and that the intact third-floor interior be considered.
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on July 16 voted unanimously to recommend support for the Burr House National Register nomination and suggested edits asking the State Office of Historic Preservation to reconsider certain contributing features.
Jonathan Lammers, preservation staff, presented the nomination for the Burr House (c.1878) in Pacific Heights and recommended that the rear cottage and the garden be identified as contributing elements. "The Department simply disagrees with the State Office of Historic Preservation," Lammers said, noting staff believes the rear cottage (a chemistry workshop constructed for Edmund Burr) and the garden contribute to the property's historic setting.
Commissioners and public commenters discussed whether additional National Register criteria might apply. Commissioner Jeong urged staff to consider whether criteria beyond architectural significance (Criterion C) — including association with historic events or information potential (Criteria A or D) — might strengthen the nomination. Lammers acknowledged the nomination left the question open and said staff could request consideration of Criterion A for the cottage and add information about the intact third-floor family room and skylight to the significance section.
Mike Buehler of San Francisco Heritage said the owner has followed stewardship recommendations and that an easement donation to Heritage was anticipated to protect the property further. No owner representative attended the hearing, though staff reported receipt of a supportive letter from the owner.
A motion to adopt a resolution supporting the nomination, with amendments suggesting Criterion A be reviewed for the cottage and that the third-floor interior be considered, passed by voice vote 6–0 (Hyland, Jonck, Johns, Matsuda, Perlman, Wolfram recorded as Yes). The Commission will forward its resolution and comments to the State Office of Historic Preservation for consideration.
