Planning department briefs committee on proposed landmarking of Burdett Building

The Planning Department presented a proposal to designate the Burdett Building (Second and Mission Streets, South of Market) as a local landmark. Shannon Ferguson (planning staff) told the committee the Historic Preservation Commission added the building to its designation work program in May 2012, initiated designation in July 2015 and on November 4, 2015 unanimously recommended landmark status. Ferguson said the small commercial building survived the 1906 earthquake and fire, is associated with master architects Bliss and Faville and retains sufficient integrity to convey its historical association.

Ferguson reported no known public or neighborhood opposition in staff records but noted a letter dated Oct. 19, 2015 from Gloria Yee, a trustee for the property owners, stating the owners were not in favor of landmark designation. April Vanaracion of Supervisor Kim’s office addressed the committee in support of landmarking and Supervisor Erin Peskin said she would be listed as a cosponsor.

The presentation concluded with staff offering to answer committee questions; none were recorded in the excerpt provided. The transcript does not record a final committee vote on the designation in the excerpt provided; the item was discussed and public comment was briefed prior to motions on other items.