Bank of California Building (Seattle)
| Company type | Bank building |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | 1924 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington , United States |
| Products | Banking services (historically) |
The Bank of California Building, located at 815 2nd Avenue in Seattle, Washington, is a historically significant bank structure adjacent to the Exchange Building. Constructed in 1924 by the Bank of California, the forerunner of Union Bank of California, it has been continuously utilized for banking functions. The institution operated from this site until 1973, when it relocated to the more spacious Union Bank of California Center at 4th and Madison Streets—currently occupied by a Bartell Drugs outlet. The original edifice continued as a branch until its sale to Puget Sound Mutual Savings Bank in 1982. Following a series of mergers, it became part of Key Bank's network in 1993, a role it maintains today.
This reinforced concrete building comprises two stories plus a basement and is adorned with a terra cotta exterior crafted to resemble stone. Inside, it features a skylit banking hall accompanied by a mezzanine level. The design, executed by the esteemed Seattle architectural firm John Graham & Company, exemplifies the "strict Italian Renaissance" style prevalent among banks in the 1920s. Notably, this same firm was responsible for designing the replacement building erected in 1973.
Recognized as a City of Seattle Landmark in 1987, the building stands as a representation of early twentieth-century banking architecture and its persistent financial use.
History
Originating in San Francisco in 1864, the Bank of California expanded into Seattle in 1905 through acquiring the London and San Francisco Bank, which operated branches in Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland, Oregon. It attained national bank status by 1910 and ranked among the largest banks west of the Mississippi River. By the early 1920s, having outgrown its premises at 2nd Avenue and Columbia Street, the bank acquired the Epler Block two doors north for $160,000 in May 1923 to develop a new facility.
The John Graham architectural firm was tasked with designing a two-story building plus mezzanine constructed from concrete with a terra cotta facade. Initially budgeted around $200,000, the final cost reached $250,000. An innovative feature planned was customer parking within the basement; however, details on its execution remain uncertain. Demolition of the Epler Block commenced late in 1923; construction began early in 1924 and concluded by May. The building officially opened on August 25, 1924.
Subsequently, the bank extended its operations into the neighboring Exchange Building and erected a parking garage nearby. By the late 1960s, plans were underway for a significantly larger facility—the Union Bank of California Center—spanning an entire city block with over for operational space. This new center opened in early 1974. Despite legal disputes from competitors, the original building remained operational as a branch.
By 1983, the Bank of California had vacated this location; it then served as headquarters for Savings Bank of Puget Sound (previously Puget Sound Mutual Savings Bank). This bank was acquired by Puget Sound Bancorp in 1986 and later absorbed into KeyCorp in 1993. Since that time, it has functioned as a Key Bank branch.
Exterior
The building's expansive facade along Second Avenue measures wide and is clad with gray glazed terra cotta fashioned to imitate stone. Prominent features include large window openings flanked by four freestanding Roman ionic columns alongside two matching pilasters. The entrance is set within a slightly recessed central section capped by an imposing arched pediment. The entablature above is surmounted by an attic story forming the fourth floor, adhering to Ionic design principles with an architrave and frieze that once bore the bank’s name but is now left blank. Above this level sits a smaller cornice supporting a pediment inscribed with the building’s year of construction.
Interior
The principal banking hall spanned 60 by , crowned by a lofty rotunda ceiling. Its design embraced a semi-Pompeian style, highlighted by colorful octagonal patterns. Bronze torch sconces decorated the pilasters, while bronzed columns were paired with antique bronze metal accents, marble countertops, finely finished black walnut woodwork, and authentic bronze grille details.
The counters and flooring showcased variegated Escolette marble sourced from France. Prominently placed large clocks featuring Escolette dials were set within the balcony grille at both ends of the lobby. Offices were arranged along the balconies, with vaults and staff lounge areas located in the basement. The fourth floor accommodated additional offices alongside an expansive employee club room.
See also
External links
- London and San Francisco Bank (1904) at the University of Washington Special Collections division