At the crest of the hill stands a beautifully eclectic 1926 Mediterranean‑style home shaped over decades by the imagination of its owner, portrait artist Montserrat Wassam. With an eye for the unexpected and unusual, she transformed the house into her largest living canvas — a place where color, character, and possibility gather in the corners. For many years, the home was a haven for students from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They practiced and performed here, held potlucks, and formed a strong, supportive community. Montserrat herself often said that the house simply demanded that music be played in it. Though it is no longer a residence for students, its musical spirit endures. Today, the home’s formal sunken living room opens to both SFCM students and professional musicians alike, hosting fundraising concerts where artists bring the space to life and music continues to rise and resonate.

The Building

The Club occupies the two penthouse floors at 550 Montgomery in the original Bank of Italy Building. Constructed in 1908, it remains one of the oldest and most recognizable structures in the Financial District. The Bank of Italy would later become the Bank of America and the building would go on to be classified a national historic landmark. For six decades it stood before the arrival of its famous neighbor, the Transamerica Pyramid.

​

The Club

While The Club itself hasn’t been around since 1908, the rich history and heritage of our space serve as a constant inspiration. Spanning 22,000 square feet, both the store and The Club are meticulously designed to evoke a sense of timelessness and wonder. From the elegance of our main bar to the breathtaking views on the roof deck, The Club offers a unique escape — a serene haven where you can feel both removed from the city’s hustle and yet deeply connected to its vibrant pulse.

The Fisk house is generously hosted by Jim Warshell and Gail Baugh. Long time friends of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and upstanding community members in Hayes Valley, the couple has spent the last 19 years restoring the Fisk House to absolute perfection. Matched with their exquisite taste in antiques, their historic house ties together an image of victorian royalty. The house was originally commisioned by a financier from New England, Asa Fisk. It was built with ornamented Cuban Mahogany woodwork and features a ballroom and plant conservatory on the top floor. The ballroom was originally designed for dances and concerts for small orchestras. We hope to honor the original purpose and bring it into the present day community of music and art lovers.