Historic Preservation Commission recommends landmark status for Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts; $10 million in capital funds cited for seismic work

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Feb. 16 unanimously recommended that the Board of Supervisors designate the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (MCCLA) at 2868 Mission Street as a local landmark under Article 10 of the Planning Code.

Moses Coret of the Planning Department opened the presentation by summarizing the center’s history and cultural significance: constructed in 1947, converted to MCCLA in 1977, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Coret highlighted the building’s character-defining features, including the large mural known as "Spirit of the Arts," and explained the ordinance path — recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, referral to the Land Use Committee, readings by the full Board and the mayor’s signature to amend the planning code.

Jamoke Akin Taylor, project manager from Public Works, and Paul Cooper from the design team described preliminary facility-condition and feasibility work focused on voluntary seismic upgrades, life-safety and accessibility improvements, and mechanical-system updates. They said additional studies are needed to refine scope and estimates.

Several community and institutional speakers urged approval. Woody LaBonte of San Francisco Heritage called MCCLA a vital site for Latinx history and strongly encouraged the Commission to recommend designation. Anne Cervantes of the San Francisco Latino Historical Society recounted the center’s ties to Latino cultural movements and urged sensitivity to the mural and community programming. Joanne Lee, deputy director of programs at the San Francisco Arts Commission and the owner on record, said the Arts Commission supports the designation and noted that the capital planning committee allocated $10,000,000 in capital funds this fiscal year toward partial seismic renovation of MCCLA.

Commissioners praised long-running community advocacy and described the building as an anchor for the Mission District’s Latino cultural life. Commissioner Black framed the designation as consistent with the Commission’s racial and social equity priorities. Commissioner Foley emphasized the need to make community centers safe and usable and applauded the community, partner organizations and staff for working together to achieve the nomination.

A motion to recommend designation to the Board of Supervisors was moved and seconded and passed unanimously (recorded 7–0). The Commission concluded its hearing after the vote and staff said transmittal to the Board of Supervisors will follow.