San Francisco in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Italian American Bank

Landmark Financial Institution - 270 Columbus Ave.

By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 11, 2020

1. Italian American Bank Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1899 Andrea Sbarboro incorporated the Italian American Bank, the second bank in San Francisco to be owned and operated by and for Italians. Sbarboro modeled the bank after cooperative banks he had seen in Philadelphia, which operated similarly to contemporary credit unions. The North Beach branch located at the southeast corner of Broadway and Columbus was opened on January 1, 1923, and still houses the original vauts in the building's basement. The Italian American bank was eventually absorbed by the Banca d'Italia, which later became the Bank of America.

Erected 2018 by Top of Broadway Community Benefits District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 37° 47.87′ N, 122° 24.383′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway and Columbus Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 270 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco CA 94133, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

Italian American Bank Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 11, 2020

2. Italian American Bank Marker - wide view

The marker is visible here, embedded in the sidewalk just to the right of the fire hydrant.

of this marker. The Old Broadway Jail (a few steps from this marker); The Condor (within shouting distance of this marker); Finnochio's (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lusty Lady (within shouting distance of this marker); Peter Macchiarini Steps (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stinking Rose (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lupo’s Restaurant (about 300 feet away); Devil's Acre & Battle Row (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

The Italian American Bank (looking across Broadway) image. Click for full size.

By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 11, 2020

3. The Italian American Bank (looking across Broadway)

The former bank, now a restaurant, is located on the corner of Broadway and Columbus.

<i>Andrea Sbarboro - Banker and President Italian Swiss Colony</i> image. Click for full size.

Hamilton Henry Dobbin (courtesy of the California State Library), 1915

4. Andrea Sbarboro - Banker and President Italian Swiss Colony

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Sacramento, California. This page has been viewed 40 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 17, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Sacramento, California.