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Commission initiates local landmark designation for Japanese YWCA (Issei Women's Building) at 1830 Sutter
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission voted to initiate Article 10 local landmark designation for the Japanese YWCA (Issei Women's Building) at 1830 Sutter, citing its association with Japanese American women, Julia Morgan's design, ties to African American civil‑rights organizing and LGBTQ history; the vote was unanimous among present commissioners (6‑0, with one recusal).
The Historic Preservation Commission voted on Oct. 21 to initiate local landmark designation under Article 10 for the Japanese YWCA (Issei Women's Building) at 1830 Sutter Street in Japantown.
Planning staff summarized the property's listing on the National Register earlier in 2020, its architectural significance as a Julia Morgan design completed in 1932, and its cultural significance as the first independent Japanese YWCA in the United States. The staff report also noted the building’s associations with African American civil rights organizing (including links to the American Friends Service Committee and Bay Area activities) and with early LGBTQ organizing. Staff reported owner support and no known opposition to initiation of local designation.
Karen Kai, representing Nihonmachi Little Friends (the building owner), told the commission the organization has been stewarding the property since acquiring it in 2002 and described the long process toward local designation, expressing gratitude to staff and researchers who prepared the nomination. A caller from San Francisco Heritage voiced strong support for initiation. Commissioners praised the nomination as addressing an underrepresented category of landmarks and emphasized the building’s layered significance. Commissioner Matsuda recused herself and the motion to initiate local landmark designation passed 6‑0.
Next steps: staff will proceed with the local designation process under Article 10 and return with subsequent hearings/documentation as required by the code.
