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.
It's not a bank building any longer. The last I checked, a design firm was using the building.
13 comments:
I always feel special when you post pictures of places I know. It's nice to have a link back to my old hometown!
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?
How nice to be able to refer to "Midcentury Marvels" and at the same time honor such buildings in your posts.
It is quite attractive and I'm glad to hear it has a new use.
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.
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.
That is a beautiful building - I love the stonework. The architecture looks very much like the 70s.
I love it all especially those columns! (Sorry Jack)
I agree with Lowell, beautiful building.
Is this the one near Central and Indian School? I love that building. I hope they never decide to tear it down.
OMG....I worked for Valley Bank for 5 years after I first moved to AZ. I left the day it became Chase, thank God!
I just love the architecture! Those planters have such a cool design.
Ditto what Magpie said Sharon, only a bank could use a line like that haha!
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