San Francisco committee recommends landmark status for Mother's Building artwork

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on the proposal to designate the Mother's Building at the San Francisco Zoo as a city landmark. This initiative aims to honor the historical significance of the building and the contributions of local women artists, particularly the Bruton sisters, who created the building's notable mosaics.

During the meeting, several speakers expressed their support for the landmark designation. Richard Rothman, a key advocate for the initiative, highlighted the building's importance and the need for increased visibility and preservation efforts. He emphasized the Mother's Building as a significant asset that celebrates the experiences of motherhood and the legacy of women artists.

Wendy Good, an author and expert on the Bruton sisters, spoke about their artistic achievements and the historical context of their work. She noted that the mosaics are among the first public mosaics in California, funded by a New Deal art program, and called for public recognition of the sisters' contributions to the art community.

Robert Cherney, a historian, provided a critical perspective on the city's stewardship of New Deal art, contrasting the neglect of the Mother's Building with successful restoration efforts seen in other projects. He urged the Parks Department to take action on the building's restoration, which has been pending since a detailed appraisal was funded in 2014.

The meeting concluded with a motion to recommend the landmark designation to the full board, which passed with unanimous support from the supervisors present. This decision marks a significant step towards preserving the Mother's Building and recognizing the artistic heritage it represents. The next steps will involve further discussions and actions to ensure the building's restoration and public accessibility.