The former home of the Central Drug Store, a beloved independent pharmacy that served the Excelsior neighborhood for more than a century, has changed hands. City records show that the property at 4494 Mission Street, near Santa Rosa Avenue, was sold in June 2026 to longtime local entrepreneurs Markopulos Fotiu and Silvi Palloj.
New owners bring plumbing expertise to the historic site
Fotiu and Palloj have operated Marco Polo Plumbing for the past 15 years out of San Bruno, providing plumbing services throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Their purchase marks a return to the Excelsior, a community they say they grew up in. “We know the area,” Fotiu told reporters, adding that the move feels like a homecoming.
The building, which housed Central Drug Store since 1908, was added to the city’s list of legacy businesses in 2021. The pharmacy closed permanently last July after the Tonelli family, who had owned the property since purchasing it from the Divencenzi family in 1965, decided to end operations.
Permit approved for office conversion
A July 1 building permit, already approved by the city, indicates that the new owners intend to construct office space for Marco Polo Plumbing. The permit also reflects a change of address for the storefront from 4494 Mission St. to 10 Santa Rosa Ave. The city’s Office of Small Business confirmed there is no requirement that the address remain a pharmacy, though the space remains classified as “retail sales” in city records.
When asked about specific plans for the renovation, Fotiu said the details are still being worked out. “We don’t know yet,” he said. “We haven’t made a decision what it is gonna be.” He suggested checking back in a few months for updates.
Preserving a piece of Excelsior history
Since the pharmacy’s closure, the iconic red neon sign that once lit the black marble façade has been removed. The building’s exterior now displays a cement block with the words “CENTRAL DRUG STORE EST. 1908” painted in red, set against navy‑blue tiles. While the sign is gone, the structure remains a visual reminder of the neighborhood’s commercial heritage.
The sale and planned conversion illustrate how long‑standing local landmarks can find new life under the stewardship of community‑rooted entrepreneurs. As the Excelsior continues to evolve, the repurposing of this historic site underscores the blend of preservation and progress that characterizes the area.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
