MEDIA RELEASE

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Planning Department is proud to announce that its Twin Peaks Tavern designation work was awarded the 2013 Governor’s Historic Preservation Award by the California Office of Historic Preservation. In addition, the Planning Department was recognized by the LGBT Preservation Committee at the 2013 National Preservation Conference for the City’s efforts on the designation of Twin Peaks Tavern for its architectural significance to the LGBT community.

“Both of these recognitions reflect the outstanding work our staff has put into preserving one of the most iconic buildings to San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood,” said San Francisco Planning Director, John Rahaim. “It is an honor that the Twin Peaks Tavern designation was recognized nationally by the LGBT Preservation Committee and locally by the State of California. We’d like to thank Twin Peaks Tavern’s owners, patrons, the LGBT community and Supervisor Wiener for their support, and Mayor Edwin Lee for signing the legislation on making this designation a priority for the City.”

The Office of Historic Preservation recognized the Twin Peaks Tavern Article 10 Landmark Designation project for its significant public outreach program as a cornerstone to the development for the designation report. Led by the Planning Department, a key component of the outreach program included “History Happy Hour” events at the tavern, where patrons and owners had the opportunity to share their past and present stories about the bar.

“Having the opportunity to take part in the landmark designation for a building with social and cultural significance nationwide makes me proud to live and work in San Francisco,” said Karl Hasz, President of the Historic Preservation Commission. “Documenting the history within a building is no easy task. I would like to recognize and thank our staff for the terrific community outreach, as well as The City’s community for their participation in cataloging the history that happened within the Twin Peaks Tavern.”

The Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards are presented annually to individuals, organizations, companies, and public agencies whose contributions demonstrate notable achievements in preserving the heritage of California. Award recipients were selected by a jury of distinguished professionals representing a cross-section of disciplines in the field of historic preservation.

Award winners were announced at an award presentation on November 21, 2013 in Sacramento. For more information about the Office of Historic Preservation, visit www.ohp.parks.ca.gov.

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Media Contact: Candace SooHoo
415.575.9157 | candace.soohoo@sfgov.org