San Francisco interns present landmark and cultural resource projects to preservation commission

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission meeting on July 4, 2025, showcased the impactful work of three summer interns who are contributing to the city’s cultural and historic resource initiatives. The interns presented their projects, highlighting the importance of preserving San Francisco's diverse heritage.

Alex Resnick, a graduate of NYU with a focus on urban planning, detailed his audit of Historic Resource Evaluation Responses (HRERs). His work aims to uncover and digitize information about historic properties, particularly those associated with various cultural groups in the city. Resnick emphasized the significance of making this data accessible to the public, noting that over 2,700 HRERs exist, many of which contain valuable insights into the city’s historic resources. His audit will help identify overlooked properties and integrate them into broader mapping efforts that reflect the city’s cultural landscape.

Emma Mooney, another intern, discussed her progress on the public art and monuments historic context statement. She is crafting a narrative that encompasses the evolution of public art in San Francisco from 1848 to 1989. Mooney aims to include a wide range of artistic expressions, emphasizing the relationship between art and social movements. She is also developing an evaluative framework to guide future decisions regarding public art resources, addressing the challenges of community significance and integrity standards.

Surbhi Agrawal, the third intern, is working on the landmark recognition and interpretation project. She highlighted the importance of recognizing San Francisco's architectural heritage and the role of the planning department in documenting this legacy.

The presentations underscored the city’s commitment to preserving its rich history and cultural diversity through the contributions of dedicated interns. The commission looks forward to further updates on these projects, which promise to enhance public understanding and appreciation of San Francisco's historic resources.