Hibernia Bank Building (San Francisco)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | April 1859 |
| Fate | Acquired by Security Pacific Bank in 1988; later absorbed by Bank of America in 1992 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Website | www |
The Hibernia Bank, originally established as the Hibernia Savings and Loan Society in April 1859, is based in San Francisco, California. In 1892, it constructed a Beaux-Arts style headquarters located at 1 Jones Street, a design credited to architect Albert Pissis. Although the structure sustained moderate damage during the 1906 earthquake and fire, it was reopened within five weeks. Pissis also contributed to the building’s expansion in 1908.
The bank vacated this premises in 1985. Following a short tenure as offices for the San Francisco Police Department, the property remained unused until undergoing restoration and refurbishment in 2016. By 2017, renamed "The Hibernia," the building was divided into smaller units available for lease to various tenants.
Today, the Hibernia Bank Building holds the status of a San Francisco landmark.
Early history
The Hibernia Savings and Loan Society initially operated from a modest office at Jackson and Montgomery Streets before relocating to larger facilities nearby.
Completed in 1892 at the corner of McAllister and Market Streets (1 Jones Street), the Beaux-Arts headquarters earned the nickname "The Paragon" among locals. A survey of 20 artists conducted by the San Francisco Call crowned it as San Francisco’s finest building, receiving 14 votes compared to only four for its closest rival, the Mills Building. The 1908 addition designed by Pissis further enhanced its architectural prominence.
Though affected by fire during the 1906 earthquake, this building was among the earliest to be restored, reopening on May 25, 1906—merely five weeks after the catastrophe.
Later history
On August 2, 1981, the building was officially recognized as a San Francisco Landmark.
After Hibernia Savings and Loan Society left in 1985, the institution was acquired by Security Pacific Bank in 1988, which itself was absorbed by Bank of America in 1992.
Throughout the 1990s until 2000, the San Francisco Police Department utilized the building at 1 Jones Street for their Tenderloin Task Force operations. Once the Tenderloin Police Station opened, an investor from out of town purchased the property. Eight years later, a local real estate investor bought it for $3.95 million despite initiatives by community groups aiming to convert it into a cultural arts center featuring museums dedicated to radio and music. The new proprietor sought a single occupant for the entire space; however, it remained unoccupied. By 2013, visible signs of neglect appeared, including graffiti and issues at street level.
A $15 million renovation coupled with seismic retrofitting revitalized the building in early 2016. On May 26 of that year, Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton hosted a fundraising event within the refurbished space.
By 2017, after failing to attract one tenant for all floors, the property was rebranded as "One Jones" and subdivided into smaller leasable units. This redevelopment significantly contributed to rejuvenating the Tenderloin district.
In April 2021, Dolmen Property Group—current owner and operator—transformed the building into a dedicated meeting and event venue. They obtained two liquor licenses and appointed experienced San Francisco hospitality professional Philip Spiegel to oversee operations.
Additional history
In 1974, the Symbionese Liberation Army, alongside Patty Hearst, carried out a robbery at a Hibernia Bank branch located in San Francisco's Sunset District.
Related articles
- List of San Francisco Designated Landmarks
- Hibernia Bank Building (New Orleans), constructed in 1921 as the headquarters for the distinct Hibernia National Bank