Detail of exterior molding on the Italian American Social Club, 25 Russia Avenue.
Congratulations to the Italian American Social Club (25 Russia Ave.), who on June 14, 2021 was unanimously approved by the Small Business Commission to join the Legacy Business Registry. Heritage proudly nominated the Italian American Social Club to the Registry through the SFH Landmark Fund, with the help of the Excelsior Action Group, IASC venue manager Julie Clima, writing and research from Taryn Edwards.
Just off of busy Mission Street on Russia Avenue, this institutional building is an example of the Excelsior’s Italian-American heritage. Created originally in 1928 for social activities by Italian-American men, its early days focused on game play, such as cards, pool, and bocce, before transitioning to hosting large family functions such as dinner parties and wedding banquets. The IASC moved into its current Art Deco building in 1940, which features a series of piers inset with floriated molding and decorative green, white, and red ornament along the roofline (the colors of the Italian flag). The awnings of the first story echo this color scheme.
Interior of the Italian American Social Club.
The IASC does open its rooms and restaurant to the public, and has hosted a variety of events from weddings and birthdays to dance workshops and church groups. Clima said IASC is slowly welcoming people back into the space: “We are open and moving along already have had 5 events of people using the catering halls and Grand Ballroom. It’s a slow start but it is a start. Hope to see more people soon. Our restaurant is open Wednesday-Friday for dinner. Thank You from the Italian American Social Club!”
