Committee advances landmark nomination for Casa Sanchez building in Mission

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors' Land Use Committee voted to send a landmark designation for the Casa Sanchez building to the full Board with a positive recommendation, advancing a years‑long preservation effort led by community groups and the Planning Department.

Supervisor Hillary Ronan introduced the nomination, saying the Sanchez family first opened Casa Sanchez nearly a century ago and that the building has been central to Latinx business and culture in the Mission. "I ask for your support today to move this to the full Board with recommendation for your approval," Ronan said.

Pilar LaValle of the Planning Department outlined the department's recommendation. She noted the Historic Preservation Commission added Casa Sanchez to its work program in 2016 and voted on Jan. 20, 2021, to initiate landmark designation. LaValle recommended a period of significance from 1968 to February 2011, reflecting the building's use as the Casa Sanchez restaurant during that span.

Speakers from preservation groups and family members urged committee support in public comment. Woody LaBounty of San Francisco Heritage described the site's association with Mission District Latinx history and the group's prior work to list Casa Sanchez on the National Register of Historic Places. Martha Sanchez, a member of the Sanchez family, said the designation honored the family's memories and community ties.

Anne Cervantes of the San Francisco Latino Historical Society told the committee the society is completing a citywide Latino context statement and emphasized that designating Casa Sanchez would recognize Mexican‑American historical associations that have been overlooked in past surveys.

After public comment the committee took a roll-call vote and recorded three ayes. Chair Supervisor Mirna Melgar said the motion passed and the item will be forwarded to the full Board for final consideration.

The designation will next be considered by the Board of Supervisors; the committee record and testimony will be part of the administrative file.