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Overview

The flat-iron-shaped Fugazi Bank Building opened in 1909, originally having two stories. A cupola crowned the rounded corner which was taken down when a third floor was added c. 1912.

Building History

The pioneering San Francisco Italian-American banker Giovanni "John" Fugazi (1838–1916) erected this bank building to accommodate his Banca Popolare Operaia Italiana, completed in 1909.

Amadeo P. Giannini (1870-1949), the legendary San Francisco banker, was a director of the Fugazi Bank, in the years prior to his involvement with the Bank of Italy, later the Bank of America. Giannini's Transamerica Corporation had its early headquarters in this building at its foundation in 1928.

The Church of Scientology, which owns many notable historic properties across California, purchased the Fugazi Bank Building and has occupied it since 11/2003.

Building Notes

The Fugazi Bank Building was included in the National Register of Historic Places' Jackson Square Historic District, formed in 1971. two years later on 03/05/1973, the bank itself was placed on the National Register.

Alteration

By 1916, the Fugazi Bank in San Francisco contemplated adding to its original building. The Architect and Engineer reported in its 01/1916 edition: "The Fugazi bank at Columbus avenue and Montgomery street, San Francisco, has had plans made for a four-story, reinforced concrete addition, to cost in the neighborhood of $70,000. Italo Zanolini is the architect." (See "Addition to Bank Building," Architect and Engineer, vol. XLIV, no. 1, 01/1916, p. 110.)