American Security and Trust Company Building
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking, Trust company |
| Founded | 1889 in Alexandria, Virginia, United States |
| Fate | Acquired by MNC Financial in 1987; later merged into Bank of America |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. , United States |
Key people | Charles James Bell (president) |
| Products | Banking services, trust services |
The American Security and Trust Company Building is a Neoclassical-style bank office situated in Washington, D.C., created by the architectural firm York and Sawyer. It earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Design
The exterior design of this building, rendered in the Neoclassical tradition, closely resembles the neighboring Riggs National Bank structure, which was also designed by York and Sawyer and completed in 1902; the two are frequently regarded as a unified architectural ensemble. The east-facing facade presents a multi-bay configuration, featuring two plain bays that flank a hexastyle portico with six Ionic columns supporting an entablature. On the narrower southern elevation, there is a single bay bordered by two simple Doric pilasters that frame the recessed main entrance. A parapet runs along the roofline, concealing three skylights. Although the exterior includes two tiers of windows, the interior consists of one large floor adorned with Neoclassical decorative elements. During renovations carried out between 1931 and 1932, the interior layout was preserved except for the removal of balconies and the addition of new openings connecting to a contemporaneous northern annex. Originally positioned in the basement, vaults were relocated to this annex. The building’s exterior is constructed from granite ashlar with pronounced horizontal joints that create a banded appearance; inside, various types of marble are used for finishes.
History
Founded in 1889 in Alexandria, Virginia, American Security Bank began as a banking and trust company, initially operating a branch at 1419 G Street NW in Washington, D.C. The following year, it reincorporated within the District and moved to 1405 G Street. Charles James Bell (1858–1929), nephew of Alexander Graham Bell, served as its president. Notably, it was the District’s second trust company and the first to establish a dedicated women's department. By 1903, expanding business necessitated relocation near Lafayette Square, with construction commencing in 1904. The building's architectural design received high praise within banking circles and was featured in The American Architect and Building News in 1905.
Following mergers and acquisitions—MNC Financial’s purchase of American Security Bank in 1987 (while maintaining its original name until later consolidation), MNC’s acquisition by NationsBank in 1993, and NationsBank’s merger with Bank of America—the building currently operates as a Bank of America branch.
Positioned just north of the Treasury Building, this bank edifice was depicted on the reverse side of the U.S. ten-dollar bill for many years. This association was utilized effectively in marketing campaigns under the slogan "Right on the money."
See also
- Commercial buildings completed in 1905
- Bank of America buildings
- Bank buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Washington, D.C.
- Neoclassical architecture in Washington, D.C.
- 1905 establishments in Washington, D.C.
- Individually listed contributing properties to historic districts on the National Register in Washington, D.C.