Introduction to Svea’s Historic Preservation Grant
ANDERSONVILLE — A longtime Andersonville restaurant was awarded a $50,000 national grant to help preserve its historical building. Svea, 5236 N. Clark St., was one of 50 restaurants awarded the grant through the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, a collaboration between American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The breakfast spot boasts a menu of Swedish-inspired food, like Swedish pancakes, meatballs and lingonberries.
About the Grant and Its Purpose
The grants are meant to help small or independently owned restaurants upgrade or grow their business through exterior improvements to their historical buildings, like murals, awning, lighting or facade-repair, according to the program. A full list of grant awardees is available here. “These grantees — resilient, community-rooted establishments — have not only survived but thrived, becoming powerful symbols of cultural pride and local impact,” the program said in a statement.
Svea’s History and Significance
Svea’s owner, Scott Martin, hasn’t decided exactly how to use the grant, he said. Martin bought Svea in the late ’90s, but the restaurant dates back to the 1930s, according to the Swedish American Museum. Martin also owns the popular Simon’s Tavern, 5210 N. Clark St., one of the other few remaining vestiges of Andersonville’s Swedish heritage. Like many Chicago small businesses, Svea and Simon’s were among those that struggled during the pandemic, but neighbors rallied to support the neighborhood’s Swedish businesses.
Current Status and Future Plans
Svea is open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. The grant will likely be used to enhance the exterior of the building, potentially including repairs or additions that will help preserve its historic charm. With the support of the community and this grant, Svea is poised to continue serving as a cultural landmark in Andersonville.
Conclusion
The awarding of the $50,000 historic preservation grant to Svea is a significant recognition of the restaurant’s importance to the community and its historical significance. As Svea moves forward with plans to utilize the grant, the community can look forward to seeing enhancements that will help preserve this beloved establishment for years to come.
FAQs
What is the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program?
The Backing Historic Small Restaurants program is a collaboration between American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation that awards grants to small, independently owned restaurants to help them upgrade or grow their business through exterior improvements to their historical buildings.
How much was Svea awarded?
Svea was awarded a $50,000 grant through the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program.
What are Svea’s hours of operation?
Svea is open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.
What is the significance of Svea in Andersonville?
Svea is one of the remaining vestiges of Andersonville’s Swedish heritage and has been a part of the community since the 1930s, making it a significant cultural landmark in the area.
