Committee recommends landmark designation for Trocadero Clubhouse in Stern Grove

The Land Use and Transportation Committee voted to send an ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation to designate the Trocadero Clubhouse in Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove as a city landmark. Supervisor Gordon Mar introduced the item and credited neighborhood preservation groups for initiating the nomination.

Planning Department staff presented the staff report, noting that “Trocadero Clubhouse, constructed in 1892, is an inn and roadhouse by George W. Green Jr.” and that the Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended landmark designation following its hearing on Sept. 15, 2021. The department said the building retains character‑defining exterior and interior spaces historically used as publicly accessible gathering places.

Neighborhood advocates also spoke in favor. Woody LaBounty of San Francisco Heritage, representing Parkside Heritage, called the clubhouse “one of the last intact nineteenth‑century roadhouses” in the city and urged the committee to preserve the site. Callers from Parkside neighborhood groups reiterated support and asked for interpretive signage to explain the building's history.

Supervisor Mar thanked speakers and said he would follow up with the Recreation and Park Department and community groups on interpretive signage. Supervisor Aaron Peskin moved to send the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation; Peskin, Vice Chair Dean Preston and Chair Myrna Melgar voted aye and the motion passed.

The ordinance amends the Planning Code to designate the Trocadero Clubhouse as a landmark under the criteria in Article 10. The committee record notes the Historic Preservation Commission's prior recommendation and community support; the clerk said items acted on today are expected to appear on the Board agenda of March 22 unless otherwise stated.

Next steps: the ordinance will be scheduled for consideration by the full Board of Supervisors.