A beloved café space is alive again.

Long before the new music bar Side A lit up the Mission District with vinyl vibes, burgers, and wine, Jim Skånberg, 56, had already built a DJ stand and record rack — the first steps in what became a standout collaboration with design firm Studio Ahead, chef Parker Brown (formerly of Aphotic), and his DJ wife, Caroline.

Skånberg, who studied architecture and briefly worked with minimalist artist Donald Judd in Marfa, Texas, returned to the West, near Salinas where he grew up. He worked with architects on restaurants and clubs — a perfect match for the musician-turned-industrial designer — and eventually launched a workshop in San Jose called 280 West, after the freeway to San Francisco.

His former Mission District home backed onto the iconic Universal Café. When it closed permanently during the pandemic, its signature moveable furniture was removed. Skånberg purchased  the space and what remained  — steel-and-glass wall, banquette and bar — and connected it to his home. “It was great owning a bar,” he says. He installed a sound system with Altec A7 speakers, built replacement marble-top tables, and dreamed of hosting private gatherings.

Designer Elena Dendiberia of nearby Studio Ahead happened to peek inside and heard his vision. A few weeks later, she and partner Homan Rajai attended a pop-up dinner by chef Brown, with Caroline spinning vinyl. It clicked. Studio Ahead led design with their signature minimalist style, Skånberg developed the furnishings — including a DJ stand and aluminum seating — and the Browns, long prepared with their Side A concept, brought in investors.

They opened last May. Skånberg still wanders over from his former home- turned-office, to admire his handiwork. “It’s something you want to sit on for a while,” he says.  izzysanfrancisco.com