City National Bank Building

The City National Bank Building at 121 Southeast 1st Street is eleven stories tall and features classical commercial architecture with detailed stonework throughout. The structure combines traditional building materials with functional spaces typical of banks from this era.

The structure was completed in 1925 by architects Hampton and Ehmann and witnessed the collapse of the Miami Bank and Trust Company during the economic downturn of 1926. It survived the financial turmoil of that period and remained a stable landmark in the city.

The building reflects Miami's financial development in the 1920s through its grand interior design, which represented the banking industry's prominence in society.

The building is located in central Downtown Miami and is accessible through multiple public transportation options and walking paths. Visitors can easily explore the exterior on foot since it sits in an active business district.

Film producer Louis B. Mayer owned this financial landmark from 1952 until 1959, adding an unexpected entertainment industry connection to its banking history. This surprise link to Hollywood is an often-overlooked chapter in the building's story.