Commission votes to initiate landmark designation for Swedish American Hall after staff report and tenant testimony

The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to initiate Article 10 landmark designation proceedings for the Swedish American Hall, located at 2168'174 Market Street in the Upper Market area.

Jonathan Lammers of the Planning Department presented the staff report, citing the building's 1907 construction, architectural significance and its long association with the Swedish Society of San Francisco. Lammers said staff finds the building meets the requirements under section 1.004 of the Planning Code and noted recent interior remodels, retention of character-defining features and an installed ADA-compliant elevator.

Dylan McNiven, a tenant and operator of the Cafe du Nord space, described a year-and-a-half renovation that added an elevator and accessible bathrooms while retaining historic interior materials. "We saved every plank of wood, every splinter, every nail," McNiven said, and added that the upgrades allow community groups to use the upstairs spaces.

Commissioners asked about signage and plaques; staff explained that landmark controls are limited by First Amendment considerations to style and design rather than business names, and that the department currently lacks a dedicated plaque fund. Commissioners asked staff to consider adding the double gable and related roof-line features to the documented character-defining elements and to consult with the Swedish American Society about any potential change to a formal designation name that would recognize Cafe du Nord.

A motion to adopt a resolution to initiate designation and to include the character-defining feature clarifications carried unanimously on roll call, 7-0. Staff said the designation will return to the commission at a subsequent hearing with mailed public notice ahead of that meeting.