The Swedish American Hall was constructed in 1907 as a combination social hall and commercial building for the Swedish Society of San Francisco. It replaced Scandia Hall which was destroyed by the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. The exterior design, by architect August Nordin, combined elements of traditional Swedish architecture and the contemporary Arts and Crafts style. The interior is notable for elaborate woodwork.

The Swedish American Hall was designed as a commercial building and social hall. Income was raised by renting the commercial spaces and leasing the lodge rooms to fraternal organizations. The names of the lodge rooms were inspired by Norse mythology: Odin, Freja, Balder, Verdandi (one of the three norns), Valhalla and Svea.

Cafe Du Nord opened in 1908.

The Swedish-American Hall is also San Francisco Landmark 267.