Ghirardelli Square has been a commercial area for more than a century. In 1893, Italian immigrant, Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli and his two sons bought the city block that would later become Ghirardelli Square. Domingo had a business in which he sold mustard, spices, and chocolate. Through the years his business expanded, developing many buildings in the Square. The Square still has these old buildings that were at the core of the business for over 60 years: the Woolen Mill, the Chocolate Building, the Wurster Building, and the Power House.

In 1923 a giant 25-foot by 125-foot-long sign was erected, lighting up the word “Ghirardelli.” This sign was so large and bright that it could be seen miles away from shore. The sign was permanently turned off during World War II.

In the early 1960’s the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was purchased by the Golden Grain Macaroni Company and operations were moved into a new factory located in San Leandro, California. In 1962, two San Franciscans purchased Ghirardelli Square because they feared it would be demolished and redeveloped into apartments. In 1964 the Square was renovated in order to preserve its history.

Also that year, the Ghirardelli sign was once again turned back on to greet all the boats out in the bay. In 1982, the Ghirardelli Square was added to the National Registry of Historic Places, which means that the buildings cannot be destroyed or have the names on the buildings changed. It is now a popular tourist attraction that is a combination of shopping, restaurants, and history.