Bank of Italy, Merced
| Company type | Bank branch |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Headquarters | Merced, California , United States |
| Products | Banking services |
Bank of Italy
Situated at the intersection of Main and Canal Streets in Merced, California, the Bank of Italy is a notable historic bank edifice. Established in 1928 as a branch of the Bank of Italy serving Merced, the building was crafted by architect Henry A. Minton embodying the Classical Revival architectural style. Its design includes a flat roof covered with clay tiles and adorned with terra cotta mansard elements, an elaborate cornice and frieze, five Corinthian columns lining the Main Street frontage, and seven pilasters along Canal Street. A decorative horizontal band divides the first and second stories, featuring panels depicting either an Indian head or an eagle accompanied by diamond patterns. The facade is predominantly clad in Travertine marble, resting on a granite foundation; certain sections of the ground floor were finished with stucco during the 1950s.
Commonly referred to by locals as the "Mondo Building," this structure was leased to UC Merced for use as administrative offices between 2004 and 2019. Following its acquisition in 2019 by the Merced County Office of Education, the building now functions as a venue for conferences, events, meetings, and office activities.