Supervisor Peskin's resolution advances landmark status for 447 Battery Street in San Francisco

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss the proposed landmark designation of 447 Battery Street, a building with historical ties to the city's coffee industry. The meeting began with Supervisor Peskin's introduction of the resolution, which had previously received unanimous support from both the Land Use Committee and the full Board of Supervisors. The resolution became effective on January 22, 2021, following the mayor's approval.

447 Battery Street, designed by architect Frank Van Trees and constructed in 1907, is situated in San Francisco's financial district. Historically, it served as a coffee roastery and warehouse for the Jones Thierbach Coffee Company from 1907 until 1967. The building features three stories of exposed brick masonry and heavy timber construction, although some modern alterations have been made to its storefront and windows.

The commission noted that despite these changes, the building is eligible for landmark status due to its significance in the coffee industry and its architectural style, which is increasingly rare in the North of Market area. The proposed period of significance for the designation is from 1907 to 1967. No public comments were received in favor of the designation, although a letter from the property owner’s legal representative expressed opposition.

During the meeting, Justin Zucker, representing the property owner, voiced strong objections to the landmark designation. He highlighted that the owners have been working on a project to develop a 200-foot hotel on the site since 2014, which would preserve the existing facade while adding new construction. Zucker emphasized that the building had not previously been recognized as a historic resource during extensive reviews and hearings, and he argued that the landmarking proposal has stalled their development plans.

The commission concluded the discussion by considering the department's recommendation to approve the landmark designation, which would then be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for further action. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact the future development of 447 Battery Street and its role in San Francisco's historical narrative.