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Committee forwards New Era Hall nomination to full board after owner withdraws opposition

Land Use and Transportation Committee · March 5, 2018

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Summary

The committee heard Planning Department testimony on landmarking New Era Hall (2117–2123 Market St.), including support from the Academy of Ballet and the property owner’s subsequent withdrawal of opposition; the item was sent to the Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation.

On March 5 the Land Use and Transportation Committee considered a Planning Department recommendation to designate New Era Hall at 2117–2123 Market Street as a landmark under Article 10 of the Planning Code. Desiree Smith (Planning Department) reviewed the building’s significance — designed by August Norden, tied to post-1906 rebuilding and one of a small number of surviving purpose-built social halls — and recounted the Historic Preservation Commission’s work-program and initiation dates and its unanimous recommendation for designation.

Smith told the committee the department received a letter of support from the longtime tenant, the Academy of Ballet, and said the property owner initially opposed the nomination but subsequently revoked that opposition after meeting with department staff. "They are no longer in opposition," Desiree Smith said, and staff provided an email showing the owner's change of position. Smith added the owner was interested in applying for the Mills Act and other historic-preservation incentives.

Zorik Kara, director of the Academy of Ballet, urged protection of the building as an essential rehearsal and teaching space with a long local history. "The building is absolutely beautiful inside...it has its own life and its own history," Kara said, noting the academy's long tenure in the building. A Libertarian Party outreach director reiterated concerns about landmark restrictions and possible limits on private property use.

Supervisor Safaie moved to send the nomination to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation; the motion carried without objection and the item was forwarded for Board consideration.