Bank of Italy, Bank building at South First Street and Santa Clara Street, San Jose, California.
The Bank of Italy Building is a 14-story tower located at the corner of South First Street and Santa Clara Street in San Jose. Its Renaissance Revival design features a red-tile hip roof and an ornamental cupola topped by a needle-like spire with a green light that marks the skyline.
Constructed between 1925 and 1926, the building held the distinction of being the tallest structure between San Francisco and Los Angeles for nearly 45 years. Its completion represented a major milestone in the architectural development of Northern California's interior regions.
The building stands as a symbol of San Jose's economic growth during the early 20th century and the rise of Italian-American banking in California. Its presence shaped how residents viewed their city's financial importance and development.
The building sits at a major intersection in downtown San Jose, making it easy to find and view from the street. Keep in mind that renovation work is underway, which may limit public access to certain areas or the interior at times.
The building is being transformed into a hub for artificial intelligence startups through a partnership with Plug and Play Tech Center. This conversion blends the site's historical role as a financial center with today's technology industry.
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