Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Another Midcentury Marvel


About a year ago, I told you about a book I had called "Midcentury Marvels" about commercial architecture of Phoenix between 1945 and 1975.  I posted my favorite 'marvel' here, a bank building that was one of many bank buildings inspired by Walter Bimson, the visionary President of the Valley National Bank.  The bank has of course, been gobbled up by bigger banks but many of those original branch buildings still remain.  This is one of them.


The architects were Fred Weaver and Dick Drover and they used stone and glass to create a building that blends well with the outdoors.

The geometric patterns of the columns on this walkway are reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright.  The book states that this covered walkway was designed to "give patrons the intended transition from the bustling city to a tranquil and secure bank setting."

It's not a bank building any longer.  The last I checked, a design firm was using the building.
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13 comments:

  1. KathyAugust 28, 2012 at 3:20 AM

    I always feel special when you post pictures of places I know. It's nice to have a link back to my old hometown!

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  2. JackAugust 28, 2012 at 3:26 AM

    I like the rough stone masonry, but maybe not so much the column facings. But, the covered walkway itself is a very nice feature, isn't it?

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  3. ThérèseAugust 28, 2012 at 6:00 AM

    How nice to be able to refer to "Midcentury Marvels" and at the same time honor such buildings in your posts.

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  4. JudyAugust 28, 2012 at 7:15 AM

    It is quite attractive and I'm glad to hear it has a new use.

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  5. Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.comAugust 28, 2012 at 8:25 AM

    I am sure that the bankers and the architects did not discuss that they wanted to design a bank building that would last longer than the bank.

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  6. MagpieAugust 28, 2012 at 8:51 AM

    I'm not sure about "give patrons the intended transition from the bustling city to a tranquil and secure bank setting." but any bit of shade in Phoenix is welcome. :) It is a very interesting design for a bank.

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  7. LowellAugust 28, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    That is a beautiful building - I love the stonework. The architecture looks very much like the 70s.

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  8. RedPatAugust 28, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    I love it all especially those columns! (Sorry Jack)

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  9. KarlAugust 28, 2012 at 10:29 AM

    I agree with Lowell, beautiful building.

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  10. RandyAugust 28, 2012 at 11:53 AM

    Is this the one near Central and Indian School? I love that building. I hope they never decide to tear it down.

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  11. AnonymousAugust 28, 2012 at 8:15 PM

    OMG....I worked for Valley Bank for 5 years after I first moved to AZ. I left the day it became Chase, thank God!

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  12. UnknownAugust 29, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    I just love the architecture! Those planters have such a cool design.

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  13. PerthDailyPhotoAugust 29, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    Ditto what Magpie said Sharon, only a bank could use a line like that haha!

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