Here Are All Of The Potential Historic Landmarks For The Greater Ingleside

Some distinctive buildings in the greater Ingleside neighborhood may soon become official historic landmarks.

The San Francisco Planning Department identified buildings in the area worthy of landmark designation in conjunction with District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar and District 11 Supervisor Chyanne Chen.

The buildings range from homes owned by important Black residents to a stately old firehouse.

The work is part of the first phase of the Family Zoning Plan Landmark Designation Program, a move to protect buildings that might be lost in the rush to build in the newly upzoned parts of the city. The program is meant to preserve architectural, cultural and historical properties and districts by identifying properties that have been deemed historic through past surveys, within the Family Zoning Plan area, and determining if they qualify.

“It's great we're adding more landmarks, because landmark designation is one of the only ways we can protect buildings under a lot of these new state streamlining housing bills,” said Woody LaBounty, president and CEO of preservation group San Francisco Heritage and The Ingleside Light’s former history columnist.

The contrast in the number of buildings put forth for historic landmark designation is stark: Twelve appear to be advancing for District 7, while only one is moving forward for District 11.

Planning's Dan Sider explained that the department is aware of the discrepancy between the districts.

"There has never been a comprehensive historic survey of District 11, so it’s not surprising that we have fewer formal resources here and saw a lower number of potential landmarks as part of the initial phase," he said. "With that in mind, the second phase — which is proceeding alongside our SF Survey program — will execute a comprehensive survey that will let us identify and protect new resources and, with the partnership of Supervisor Chen, establish further historic protections in District 11."

The District 7 Dozen

District 7 currently has 19 city landmarks, including the Sunnyside Conservatory, the Doggie Diner sign on Sloat Boulevard and Ingleside’s crown jewel, the former El Rey Theatre, to name a few.

Mayor Daniel Lurie’s Family Zoning Plan has made resident interest in landmarking high. For instance, homeowners added Ingleside Terraces and the St. Francis Wood residence parks to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022. Others have moved to establish historic districts for neighborhood streets, such as the effort for Ingleside’s Ocean Avenue.

In early May, over a dozen community members gathered in the St. Francis Episcopal Church for a presentation about adding the dozen new landmarks in District 7.

Properties included the former Bank of Italy on Irving Street, the Forest Hill Clubhouse, the Dillon residence on Santa Clara Avenue, the “Gateway to Pacific Basin” mural in West Portal, the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Lakeside Medical Center and the Storybook Storefronts on Ingleside’s stretch of Ocean Avenue. The Sly Stone House on Urbano Drive, the Willie Mays residence on Miraloma Drive, the Haynes residence on 16th Avenue, the Terry Francois residence on 10th Avenue, and the Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett residence on Los Palmos Drive were all identified through the department’s African American Historic Context Statement, which was adopted in February 2024.

“We’re trying to look at things through a citywide lens where our work previously was to work in a more neighborhood fashion,” Planner Melanie Bishop said. “I think that’s part of maybe some of the change that folks are feeling right now is that the task at hand is we’re having to look at everything and where things fall on the spectrum throughout the entire city.”

Resident Dena Ashlanian-Williams asked what happens if a current property owner declines turning their home or business into a landmark. Planner Alex Westhoff said that property owner consent is not required for landmarking, but they would be notified and be able to share their stance during hearings. Ultimately, however, the decision would still be up to the Board of Supervisors.

Attendees were also curious about the number of landmarks iconic figures could have, with them noting that people like Willie Mays have several throughout the district.

Westhoff said that dual-landmarking was possible but dependent on the productive life of the individual and that they may prioritize only one property that is more significant to the individual's work.

District 11 Dearth

It's going to be some time before District 11 catches up to District 7. But some progress has been made.

In September, the Planning Department sent letters to three property owners of potential historic landmarks in the district. Two in the Ocean View-Merced Heights-Ingleside and one in the Excelsior.

“Planning and our office have reached out to those property owners and are now advancing an initiating resolution for a landmark designation for Engine Company No. 33 located at 117 Broad St,” said Charlie Sciammas, Chen’s legislative aide.

One of the buildings was deemed unworthy, and the owner of the other wasn't amenable.

Now, a cherished decommissioned firehouse in Ocean View is on its way to obtaining historic landmark status. And that might be just the start for District 11.

Phase two of the landmark program will uncover new buildings in District 11 for consideration, according to the Planning Department.