The Hellman building is significant in several ways in addition to its architectural integrity and quality. It was developed by one of California's leading financiers, Isaias W. Hellman (who became a resident of Los Angeles in 1872 and subsequently became president of the Main Street Savings Bank, and the Bank of Southern California), and one of the most important financial institutions, Farmers and Merchants National Bank. It is a stylistic and representative example of commercial architecture in the early 20th century.