Historic Preservation Commission backs landmark recommendations for Grand Theater and Westwood Park gateway

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 15 voted unanimously to forward two landmark recommendations to the Board of Supervisors: the Grand Theater at 2665 Mission Street and the Westwood Park entrance gateway and pillars (case 2023-006744DES).

Planning staff presented the Grand Theater nomination, describing the 1940 streamlined Moderne theater’s architectural importance and noting Gray Area Foundation for the Arts’ stewardship since 2014. Anna Herrera from Supervisor Ronan’s office and Barry Thru, Gray Area’s executive director, highlighted community uses, recent fundraising to relight the marquee and the theater’s role within the Mission Corridor and Calle 24 (Calle Bintiguatro) Cultural District. Gray Area told the commission it hosts wide-ranging events, has paid artists and reported economic and cultural impact estimates.

The Westwood Park gateway nomination was introduced by planning staff and presented by Kathleen Badix of the Westwood Park Association. Badix reviewed the 1916 design by architect Louis Christian Mulgard and historic restoration work supported by the association and City Beautiful grants. Supporters including Jen Lo (chief of staff to Supervisor Myrna Melgar) and San Francisco Heritage emphasized the gateways’ neighborhood significance and urged initiation of landmark designation.

Commissioners discussed contextual history, including racial covenants and the neighborhood’s racial and social equity analysis, and praised the planning report’s inclusion of broader histories. Motions to approve the staff recommendations for both landmarks were made, seconded and passed unanimously 6–0.

Next steps: Both recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final action.