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One of the leading architects of San Francisco at the turn-of-the-century, Albert Pissis designed the Neo-Classical design of the Mechanics' Institute Library #2, San Francisco, CA. The Lewis A. Hicks Company served as the Building Contractor for the $250,000 educational facility. While this was a significant amount of money in 1907, (particularly as the country was experiencing a serious recession in that year), the Institute had a favorable financial position with no debts and revenue generated from lucrative real estate investments. Construction on the earthquake-resistant, steel-frame structure began in 04/1909 and was completed the following year.

The building had 9 floors; the ground floor was leased to commercial tenants, while the 2nd-3rd floors were set aside for the Mechanics' Institute Library. The 4th floor had various meeting rooms, one set aside for the organization's chess club. The Institute rented floors 5-9 as commercial office space.

PCAD id: 5625