Historic Preservation Commission adds four longtime San Francisco businesses to Legacy Business Registry

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 15 unanimously recommended four establishments be added to the city’s Legacy Business Registry: Elixir (3200 Sixteenth Street), El Palaios (North Beach, Columbus Avenue), Heroes Club (Clement Street) and Friends of SCRAP (801 Tollen Street).

Planning staff presented historical summaries for each nomination, noting Elixir’s long history as a neighborhood saloon with nineteenth-century mahogany features, El Palaios’ family-run restaurant history since 1984, Heroes Club’s role in Asian American pop-culture preservation since 1989 and SCRAP’s decades-long work as a creative reuse nonprofit founded in 1976. Staff said they support resolutions recommending all four businesses for registry placement.

Public commenters and supporters included Woody Labonte of San Francisco Heritage, Kelly Groth from Supervisor Aaron Peskin’s office (speaking on behalf of Supervisor Chan in the transcript) and SCRAP director Felipe Collina, who described SCRAP’s educational reach and the organization’s diversion of waste into art programs. Elixir owner Joseph Ehrman called the designation an honor and thanked supporters.

Commissioners praised the nominations and asked staff about outreach and signage options to help the public recognize legacy businesses. Staff confirmed application materials and histories are publicly linked on the registry website legacybusiness.org; staff said a QR-code promotion and a ‘‘passport’’ campaign are on the program’s wish list to increase visibility without large budget outlays. The commission also discussed past plaque funding and the practicality of printable seals and QR decals for storefronts.

A single motion to approve all four nominations was made and seconded; the commission voted 6–0 to adopt staff’s recommendations and add the businesses to the Legacy Business Registry.

Next steps: Staff will post or maintain digital materials on the registry site and explore QR code and promotional options to enhance public awareness.