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Committee backs amendment to include interior protections for VC Morris (140 Maiden Lane) and forwards to full board
Summary
The committee approved an amendment to expand the landmark designation for 140 Maiden Lane (VC Morris gift shop) to include interior features designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and forwarded the amended designation to the Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation.
The Land Use & Transportation Committee voted to amend the landmark designation for 140 Maiden Lane (the VC Morris gift shop) to include the building's interior circular structure and other character‑defining interior features associated with Frank Lloyd Wright, and forwarded the amended designation to the full Board with a recommendation.
Supervisor Aaron Peskin introduced the item and described the site's importance as one of Wright's few realized interiors in San Francisco and an early prototype of ideas later seen in the Guggenheim. Shannon Ferguson of the Planning Department said the building, designated Landmark No. 72 in 1975 for its exterior, now meets eligibility criteria for interior designation based on the Historic Preservation Commission recommendation.
Architectural historian Paul Turner testified in support, calling the interior one of Wright's most important realized works and urging preservation of its integrity. "This building on Maiden Lane ... is one of Wright's most important works," Turner said, describing the spiral ramp and skylit ceiling. Supervisor Peskin moved to add findings and forward the item, and the committee approved the motion without objection.
The committee record indicates the item will proceed to full board consideration with the recommended amendment.
