Historic Preservation Commission recommends six longtime San Francisco businesses for Legacy Business Registry

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Dec. 6 to recommend six businesses for the city’s Legacy Business Registry, a program that recognizes and supports long‑standing establishments facing displacement pressures. Staff presented each application and recommended resolutions to add Orale Orale, City Art Gallery 2, Lamplighters Music Theater, San Francisco Woman Artist, Polly Anne Ice Cream, and Firefly Restaurant to the registry.

Planning staff outlined each business’s history and risk factors and recommended approval. Edgardo Lopez of the Planning Department said staff “supports this application and recommends a resolution to add [City Art Gallery 2] to the legacy business registry,” highlighting the gallery’s 25‑year community role. Staff noted several businesses face lease renewals, rising insurance costs, or other economic pressures that could threaten continuity.

Public commenters and neighborhood organizations urged the commission to approve the nominations. Woody Livanti of San Francisco Heritage told commissioners, “Naturally, we very much support all of these legacy businesses,” and praised Polly Anne and SF Woman Artist for their cultural contributions. Robin Bordeaux, owner of City Art Gallery, described the gallery’s sales and artist support, and Ari Singer, vice president of the Lamplighters’ board, emphasized the theater’s 71‑year continuous cultural service.

Richard Carrillo of the Office of Small Business described program tools available to supported businesses, including a rent‑stabilization grant and marketing assistance. Commissioners asked staff about the registry’s 30‑year eligibility rule and were told the program can and does make exceptions for at‑risk businesses between 20 and 30 years old when displacement is imminent.

The commission moved and seconded approval for all six applications and voted 6–0 to adopt staff recommendations. The commission’s action forwards the nominations to the Legacy Business program and the Small Business office for final administrative processing.

Next steps: the Office of Small Business will finalize the registry listings and notify landlords and advocates of any available support programs referenced during the hearing.