Banks (really)

Banks, once known for the most classical and ponderous architecture got fully onboard with Space Age architecture. They no longer wanted to be just for businessmen, they wanted to have customers from all walks of life. Savings and loans in particular were never business customer oriented and wanted a brighter more inviting building. The old style conveyed strength, stability and security. But that proved false with all the bank failures in the Great Depression. The new futuristic style of architecture made them look more inviting and more current, while still looking substantial. Bank building design was also influenced by the move away from downtowns, and the proliferation of branches. Banks couldn’t afford to put the kind of money they put into their downtown headquarters, when building a branch in the suburbs or other part of the city. The new style, while still ornate, was much less expensive than the old edifices they replaced. Gone were the iron cages. They were also brighter and more customer service oriented. They stood out more, which helped with marketing. Not being downtown, there was a need for a draw to help customers find them.

Newport Balboa Savings, at 3366 Via Lido Newport, California.
Dates of Construction: 1954; 1960. Architect: W.A. Sarmiento. Inspired by the bay it overlooks.

Mock up of a new branch for The State Bank of Fort Dodge, IA. To be built in 1966. This bank is no longer operating.

Plantation First National Bank at 3800 W. Broward Blvd., in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In this case a motel/restaurant type sign was used. Now a Bank of America, the buildng has been substantially altered.

Continental National Bank at 1818 Pepper Ave. in Lincoln NE. No longer in business.

Even the safe deposit vaults were Space Age. This one at Unity Trust & Savings Bank. The city and state not given.

City National Bank at 588 South Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, CA. Palm Springs is a Mecca for midcentury architecture, especially the houses but also many commercial buildings. This absolute classic is still standing, almost untouched. Now a Bank of America.

North County Bank at 9320 Lewis & Clark Blvd. in Jennings, MO. The bank is gone, but the building remains, though without the classic second floor railing and clock. Looks quite plain without that element.

First National Bank of Danville, IL, address not given. This bank no longer in operation.

First National Bank of Walker, MN. Exact location not given but in Walker. This bank still exists, but this branch is no longer used.

Bank of the Commonwealth, corner of W. Warren and Middlebelt Road in Garden City, MI. The building and bank are no longer. Looked a bit like a church from the era.

First National Bank in Elberton, GA. A bit of a mix of new and old as a lot of granite was used. Address not given. This bank longer operates.

Suburban Bank at 69th and Prospect in Kansas City. Advertised as the first drive through bank in Kansas City. Demolished.

Interior of Farm and Home Savings Association, Ninth and Houston in Fort Worth, TX. Featured a free standing stairway, fountain and "Palo Pinto" stone by the stairs. This bank is no longer.

Space Age Design

Midcentury Futuristic Atomic Googie Jet Age

Banks