On February 28, 1928, the Pittsburgh Press announced the construction the Croatian Fraternal Union’s new three-story, fireproof steel frame office building. The approximate cost was anticipated to be $150,000.00. The design of the building was described as gothic and “…leaning toward the Cathedral of Learning style and … in keeping with the cultural atmosphere of the Schenley district.” The new building was dedicated January 20, 1929 with Mayor Charles H. Kline serving as one of the honorary guests and speakers.
The former Croatian Fraternal Union Building is significant for its association with noted architect Pierre Leisch (credited for providing design inspiration for the Union Trust Building downtown), its embodiment of Croatian immigrant history on a local and national scale, and that it is a distinct visual feature of Oakland’s Forbes/Fifth Ave. corridor.