The Keating building was constructed in 1890 as a tribute to the late George J. Keating. Originating from
Kansas, George moved to San Diego in 1886 with his wife, Fannie, during the westward expansion of their
farming company, Smith & Keating. George Keating passed away after only 2 years in California; Fannie
enlisted the skills of the Reid Brothers to design and oversee the construction of this five-story Romanesque
Revival style building. Modern amenities such as spacious floor plans, steam heat, and a wire cage elevator
(the first, and still longest running, elevator in San Diego) made the Keating Building one of the most
prestigious and sought after office spaces.