“Landmarking” Saves SF Institutions As Well As Dive Bars

Preservationists in San Francisco have a new secret weapon to use in the struggle against rising commercial rents: landmark status, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.

Usual landmark status is given to certain examples of architecture. Of late, however, the landmark label is also being applied to theaters and even "dive bars," according to the report.

Commercial rents have "tripled" in the city over the last 15 years, according to Bloomberg, which could force institutions like the Roxie Theater, which has operated since 1909, from their longtime homes.

The city is hoping to offer incentives to landlords who choose to rent to landmark businesses rather than forcing them out via rent increases, according to Bloomberg.