The landmark Kahn building was constructed in 1919 at the height of the Egyptian Revival and was Hillcrest’s central restaurant for nearly a century. This large structure runs east along University Avenue from Sixth Avenue to a nail salon, formerly Cinrix. Two of the four eateries served food from this corner for decades. The Pastori family had the longest run with Caesar’s from 1923-1972. Followed by Cavalieri’s through 1978, and the Summer Place before LGBT couple Mike Wright and Alan Bilmes operated their Jewish deli from 1984-2013. Besides their multi-page menu, the couple featured everything from a nosh to a full meal and scrumptious desserts. City Delicatessen era is also remembered for the colorful frieze of fruits and vegetables.
The frieze atop the historic corner is now painted battleship gray thanks to Harvey Milk’s American Diner, the most recent restaurant to open (and close) it doors. Originally the decorative top featured pharaohs. Then following a fire in 1921 the present cornucopia featuring fruits and vegetables was created, initially covered in gold leaf.
During the last remodel, the Neighborhood Historic Preservation Coalition (led at the time by Dan Soderberg) contacted the Historic Resources, Planning Division in the City’s Development Services Department to explain, “Clearly this building is eligible for historic status, if not on the register already.” Of course, this building is a part of Hillcrest history, but with the next-door Pernicano property in play with developers, we hope the Kahn Building will survive.
