Committee forwards landmark nomination for St. James Presbyterian Church in Visitation Valley

On Dec. 5 the Land Use & Transportation Committee voted to forward a landmark‑designation ordinance for St. James Presbyterian Church (240 Leland Ave., Visitation Valley) to the full Board with a positive recommendation.

Pilar LaValle of the Planning Department summarized the Historic Preservation Commission’s review: the church — established in 1908 with the present mission‑revival and Arts & Crafts building constructed in 1922–23 to a design by architect Julia Morgan — retains integrity and was unanimously recommended by the Historic Preservation Commission. The nomination was supported by community groups including the Visitation Valley History Project and SF Heritage.

Pastor Fernando and community representatives described the church’s multi‑generational role in the neighborhood and said landmark status would help preserve the building as a community anchor amid upcoming housing developments. The committee voted unanimously to send the nomination as a committee report to the full Board.