Bank of California Building, Bank building in downtown Portland, United States
The Bank of California Building is a three-story Italianate structure in downtown Portland with a grand interior room featuring coffered beam ceilings and five large arched windows along its main facade. The building spans three floors plus a mezzanine level and basement, which once housed the bank vaults.
Architect A.E. Doyle designed this building in 1924 for the Bank of California following their acquisition of a London and San Francisco Bank branch. The structure received National Register designation in 1978.
The exterior combines cast terracotta and marble trim with bronze entrance gates, drawing inspiration from Italian Renaissance palazzo design. These ornamental details shape how the building appears and feels to visitors walking past.
The building sits at the northeast corner of 6th Avenue and Stark Street, making it easy to locate in the downtown area. The street-level location allows visitors to view the architectural details from the sidewalk.
The building operated as a working bank for nearly five decades before closing in 1969. This extended period of continuous banking use is uncommon for historic bank structures.
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