Bently Reserve and Old Federal Reserve Bank: The Ionic Citadel

Why is it significant?

Stand before the colossal fluted Ionic colonnade of the Bently Reserve at 400 Sansome Street, commanding the block between Sacramento and Commercial Streets. Dedicated in 1924, this imposing classical limestone temple was designed by prominent society architect George W.

Key Facts

Open the walk

Stand before the colossal fluted Ionic colonnade of the Bently Reserve at 400 Sansome Street, commanding the block between Sacramento and Commercial Streets. Dedicated in 1924, this imposing classical limestone temple was designed by prominent society architect George W. Kelham to serve as the headquarters of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, District 12. Rising behind eight monumental seventy-foot Ionic columns, the monumental facade was engineered to project unshakeable stability, financial integrity, and federal authority during the booming post-World War I economy.

Walk into the grand Banking Hall to experience a space of astonishing palatial luxury. Soaring thirty-foot ceilings are hand-stenciled with Italian Renaissance motifs in turquoise, gold leaf, and lapis lazuli. High on the eastern wall, look upon the monumental 1924 fresco mural painted by celebrated artist Jules Guerin, titled 'Traders of the Adriatic', depicting Venetian merchant galleys exchanging trade goods with the world. Beneath the marble floor lies the historic multi-ton circular steel bank vault, engineered with twenty-inch-thick alloy doors to protect the federal gold and currency reserves of nine western states.

Outside on the Sansome Street facade, admire the monumental bronze entrance doors and eagles sculpted by acclaimed artist Edgar Walter, depicting scenes of American industry, mining, agriculture, and ocean shipping. The meticulous craftsmanship visible in every historic facade, stone retaining wall, and coastal terrace serves as an enduring testament to the city's extraordinary ability to reinvent itself while honoring its authentic heritage. The meticulous craftsmanship visible in every historic facade, stone retaining wall, and coastal terrace serves as an enduring testament to the city's extraordinary ability to reinvent itself while honoring its authentic heritage. The meticulous craftsmanship visible in every historic facade, stone retaining wall, and coastal terrace serves as an enduring testament to the city's extraordinary ability to reinvent itself while honoring its authentic heritage.

Today, the meticulously preserved historic banking hall serves as a prestigious LEED-certified civic events center, hosting international design galas and cultural conferences.

Walk north along Sansome Street to Clay Street, turning east toward Battery Street to explore the Embarcadero Center elevated skybridges.