Committee recommends landmark initiation for Trocadero Clubhouse in Stern Grove

The Land Use and Transportation Committee on March 1 voted to recommend initiating a landmark designation for the Trocadero Clubhouse in Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove, citing the building’s nineteenth‑century architecture and long community use.

Sponsor Supervisor Mar said the yellow clubhouse, built c.1892 and restored for public use in 1931 by Bernard Maybeck after Rosalie Stern donated the site, is "an incredibly unique public venue used for many public and private events," and urged support for the resolution and a 90‑day extension of the Historic Preservation Commission’s review.

Multiple neighborhood and preservation groups spoke in favor during public comment. Eileen Bokin of SPEAK (Sunset Parkside Education and Action Committee) and Woody Labounty of San Francisco Heritage described the clubhouse as a rare surviving example of late‑nineteenth‑century roadhouse architecture and a longtime community gathering place. Parkside Heritage and other advocates were cited by the sponsor as principal supporters of the nomination.

The committee adopted the recommendation to send the resolution to the full Board with a positive recommendation; Supervisors Aaron Peskin, Dean Preston and Chair Myrna Melgar voted "aye." The Historic Preservation Commission will take up the designation and has an extended review period of 90 days at the request of Planning, to account for staff capacity and other pending designations.

If the Board approves initiation, the designation process will proceed through Planning and the Historic Preservation Commission for final determination.