[1] The Farmers and Merchants Bank was the first incorporated bank in Los Angeles, founded in 1871 by Isaias W. Hellman,[2] a successful merchant, real estate investor, and banker who immigrated to Los Angeles in 1859; with John G. Downey, the seventh governor of California; and Herman W. Hellman, the brother of Isaias.

The bank built and moved into new offices designed by architect Ezra F. Kysor in 1874 across the street from the Pico Building.

[4] Designed in the Classical Revival style, the 1905 Farmers and Merchants Bank remains one of Southern California's finest examples of the early "temples of finance" which were popular at the turn of the century.

Its two-story facade, reminiscent of a Roman temple, is punctuated by an entrance framed with Corinthian columns topped by a large triangular pediment.

Much of the original banking room remains, including light fixtures, a central skylight, and the loggia with its Victorian-style railings.

Operating as a bank until its closure in the late 80s, the building now functions primarily as a special events and banquet facility and film location.