Underwriters Fire Patrol

147 Natoma
SOMA/Financial District

According to the History Department of the SFFD:

On May 24, 1875, the City’s insurance companies joined together to organize and fund the Underwriters Fire Patrol.  The UFP was like a fire department; it had its own firehouses, alarm system and firemen whose only task was salvage practices.  The patrol worked at fires in conjunction with the SFFD.  These firemen often worked below the fire floor and spread waterproof covers over merchandise threatened with water damage.  They also saved and removed business records from the fire building.

The insurance companies realized that if valuable items could be saved from fire damage that their business expenses could be controlled.  Due to the reduction of these expenses, their policy holders would not have to pay higher premiums.  On this premise, the Underwriters Fire Patrol was organized.

On March 27, 1911, the company received a 1911 American LaFrance, registry #25, Type 5 Fire Patrol Wagon with a 4 cylinder 50 HP engine, the first motorized apparatus in San Francisco.

This three-story brick structure, designed by Clinton Day, has a terra-cotta bracketed cornice with egg and dart molding, and an arched entry ornament in bead and reel pattern molding.

Clinton Day is also responsible for the Union Trust Company Building, he has been in this site before here.

The building was sold at public auction in 1956.  The construction fence  is part of the new expansion of SFMOMA.