Alleys, Angels, and Minestrone
Welcome to our first Special City newsletter for paid supporters! Today, we are sharing Woody's tour of new historic districts in the Mission, a special recipe from one of SF’s newest legacy businesses, a "where am I?" reveal, and special event invite (with treat). To read the full email and access all the special content, join us at the Local Hero or Landmark Club level. —Kerri
What's down that alleyway?
Two brand new historic districts
On March 13, 2026, Mayor Daniel Lurie signed legislation sponsored by board president Rafael Mandelman for the creation of an Alert Alley Early Residential Historic District (21 buildings) and Chula-Abbey Early Residential Historic District (52 buildings).
Located just off Dolores Street near Mission Dolores, both districts have a period of significance dating from the mid-late 19th century to 1910, and include pre- and post-1906-earthquake buildings representative of Italianate, Classical Revival, Queen Anne, and Folk Victorian styles.
Supervisor Mandelman has called for the creation of more local historic districts in San Francisco. SF Heritage strongly supports and is ready to assist with multiple district designations including eligible and well-researched ones in North Beach and West of Twin Peaks neighborhoods.
The district is located in close proximity to the Tanforan Cottages, San Francisco Landmarks no. 67 and no. 68, located at 214 and 220 Dolores Street, respectively. The two cottages date from the 1850s and represent the earliest phase of residential development within the Mission Dolores neighborhood. Over on Chula, a winning row of colorful buildings are a highlight.
Click on the link below to take a stroll through the Alert and Chula-Abbey districts on a Woody-designed self-guided tour (We are including a printable version listing all district contributors):
