Historic Preservation Commission reviews Mills Act proposal for Fell Street property

In a recent meeting of the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission, discussions centered on the Mills Act historical property contract, highlighting the city's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage. The meeting, held on July 4, 2025, featured a presentation by Gigi Gunther from the Planning Department, who detailed a specific application for a property located at 942 through 944 Fell Street.

The Mills Act allows local governments to enter into contracts with owners of qualified historic properties, providing them with property tax reductions in exchange for commitments to maintain and restore their buildings. Currently, the city holds 45 active Mills Act contracts, and the application under review is part of the ongoing effort to manage and support these historic properties.

Gunther outlined the proposed rehabilitation plan for the Fell Street property, which includes essential repairs such as siding restoration, roof replacement, and maintenance of entry features. The estimated cost for these improvements is approximately $308,100 over ten years, with annual maintenance costs projected at around $8,655. The property owner is expected to benefit from an estimated annual property tax savings of $11,687 as a result of the Mills Act contract.

The commission evaluated the application based on five priority considerations, including the necessity of repairs, potential investment in the property, and the distinctiveness of the building within the Alamo Square Historic District. The property met three of these criteria, indicating its eligibility for the Mills Act contract.

In addition to the application review, the commission was informed that a comprehensive audit of the Mills Act program would be presented in November. This audit aims to provide data analysis on existing Mills Act properties, including their locations, tax savings, and a proposed strategy for reviewing projects through an equity framework.

The meeting underscored the city's ongoing efforts to balance preservation with the need for equitable development, as highlighted by the Planning Department's racial and social equity initiative. The commission's recommendation to approve the Mills Act application will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors, marking a significant step in the preservation of San Francisco's historic architecture.