Committee backs landmarking of Japanese YWCA (Ise Women’s Building) at 1830 Sutter Street

The Land Use committee on April 5 voted to forward an ordinance to designate the Japanese YWCA Ise Women’s Building at 1830 Sutter Street as a landmark under Article 10 of the Planning Code.

Frances McMillan of the Planning Department said the Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended designation on Nov. 18, 2020, and highlighted the building’s association with Issei women who founded the first independent Japanese YWCA in the U.S., its service as a meeting site for civil-rights organizations including the American Friends Service Committee and CORE, and its connections to early LGBTQ organizing (the Mattachine Society). McMillan also cited the building as an example of architect Julia Morgan’s work.

Community advocates including Cathy Inamasu (Nihonmachi Little Friends), Karen Kai (Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation), and Donna Graves (independent public historian) provided historical testimony about the building’s founding, its listing on the National Register in 2019 and its significance to multiple communities. Speakers noted the centenary of the Issei women’s 1830 Sutter purchase, the building’s role as a safe space for organizing and the continued cultural value to Japantown.

Supervisors Peskin, Chan and Preston praised the nomination and co-sponsored the item. With public comment and no opposition recorded, the committee moved the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation (roll call passed 3–0).