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SEC. 5. JUSTIFICATION. The characteristics of the said Historic District justifying its designation are as follows: (a) History of the Area. The Historic District contains virtually the sole surviving commercial buildings from the 1850's and 1860's. In effect this area, in close proximity to Portsmouth Plaza where the major segment of the modern City began, was the central business district of these early times. Its waterfront location led to its use for mercantile and financial purposes, consulates and offices; and many distinguished men had businesses or property in the area, including General William Tecumseh Sherman, Colonel Jonathan Stevenson, James King of William, Mayors Charles Brenham and Ephraim Burr, Domingo Ghirardelli and Anson Hotaling, Paxon Dean Atherton, William Lent, Alexander Grogan and James de Fremery. The original waterline came to about Montgomery and Jackson Streets and the present district is partly on filled ground, some of the fill consisting of the hulls of ships abandoned in the rush to the gold fields. More than any other existing part of San Francisco, this area recalls the Gold and Silver era and the days of the Vigilante movement. The Barbary Coast, north of the original commercial area, had a somewhat different but noteworthy history. Although the present buildings do not date from the 19th century, many of them were rebuilt immediately after the 1906 Earthquake and Fire and embody the spirit and appearance of the earlier City. In fact, this area to the south of Telegraph Hill had an international reputation from the 1850's on. (b) Basic Nature of the Area. The Historic District includes historically and architecturally significant buildings ranging from the 1850's to the early years of the present century. The vast majority of buildings are under 40 feet in height. The area is large enough to be viable, but yet is compact. It is predominantly oriented to the pedestrian rather than the automobile. There is a healthy and vital mixture of activities. Interior streets are narrow and there are no major through arteries. Streetscapes are an important part of the District's character. (c) Architectural Character. There are common architectural features tying the area together and providing visual distinction and pleasure. These common elements, used throughout the District in varying patterns and emphases, pertain to overall form and continuity, scale and proportion, fenestration, materials, color, texture, detail and decorative features. A high quality of architecture of buildings and their features is well-distributed throughout the Historic District. Visual distinction is due in many cases to the original construction, often carefully restored, but in some cases it is due to thoughtful remodeling that captures the historic character of the District. (d) Uniqueness and Location. Jackson Square includes the City's only surviving early commercial area. Its distinct quality is further enhanced by a downtown location, affording an impressive contrast with the adjacent office core. (e) Visual and Functional Unity. The Historic District, within the selected boundaries, has an identifiable scale and common architectural features. Narrow interior streets, street trees, quiet alleys, pedestrian orientation and intimacy of view in most of the District also contribute to its visual unity, as does the contrast with surrounding areas. In terms of function, there has been a coalescence of commercial development, uses and exterior building treatment. (f) Dynamic Continuity. Jackson Square is a continually evolving commercial area, not a static museum. The area has proven its capacity for incremental adaptation to new uses. (g) Benefits to the City and its Residents. Economically, the area houses specialized enterprises which demand a unique, prestige location; and it is a vital part of the fabric of the historical City that attracts tourists and is actively promoted by the City for this very purpose. Culturally, it provides a strong historical and educational resource. Aesthetically, its architectural and visual appeal are immediate, while its value in terms of urban design within the City pattern as a whole is equally important. (Added Ord. 221-72, App. 8/9/72) SEC. 6. FEATURES. The exterior architectural features of the said Historic District that should be preserved are described and depicted in the Jackson Square Report dated June 1971, including the Facade Elevations and Descriptions therein, and the photographs, case reports and other material on file in the Department of City Planning in Docket No. LM72.1 (HD); the summary description being as follows: