Across the U.S., numerous bank branches have transcended their utilitarian roles, emerging as architectural landmarks that reflect both historical grandeur and contemporary innovation.
These structures, ranging from ornate 19th-century edifices to avant-garde modern designs, offer a unique glimpse into the evolving identity of financial institutions.
Landmark Bank Architectures Across the U.S.
Navigate through the architectural highlights of these landmark bank buildings across the United States:
- Farmers’ and Exchange Bank
- National Farmers’ Bank
- Frank L. Smith Bank
- Apple Bank Building
- Missouri Bank Crossroads Branch
- C1 Bank
- First Home Bank
- Home Building Association Bank
- Umpqua Bank
- Centennial National Bank
Farmers’ and Exchange Bank, Charleston, S.C.
The National Park System recognizes the Farmers’ and Exchange Bank in Charleston (constructed between 1853 and 1854) as a rare example of Moorish Revival architecture in the U.S.
The building features distinctive elements such as muqarnas—ornamented vaulting characteristic of Persian and North African architecture—and a striking red sandstone façade. Cherished for its design significance, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
National Farmers’ Bank, Owatonna, Minn.
Designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan in 1908, the National Farmers’ Bank of Owatonna is celebrated as the first of Sullivan’s “jewel box” bank designs, as reported in its PBS Newshour profile.
The National Farmers’ Bank location highlights Prairie School architecture, which industry publication The Spruce characterizes by red brick exterior, green terra cotta bands, and large arches on its facades.
Designer Sullivan collaborated with decorative artist George Elmslie to create intricate interior details, making the bank a masterpiece of early 20th-century design.
Frank L. Smith Bank, Dwight, Ill.
In 1905, famed designer Frank Lloyd Wright fashioned the Frank L. Smith Bank (now known as the First National Bank), marking one of his earliest commercial projects, a distinction noted by the online resource Frankly Lloyd Wright Sites.
Departing from traditional bank architecture, Wright employed a minimalist approach to evoke a sense of dignity and simplicity. He was intimately involved in every aspect of the layout, including the interior furnishings, reflecting his philosophy of organic architecture.
Apple Bank Building, New York, N.Y.
Located at 2100 Broadway in Manhattan, the Apple Bank Building, originally constructed for the Central Savings Bank between 1926 and 1928, exemplifies Renaissance Revival architecture. Online tourism guide Manhattan Sideways, captured the structure’s past.
Designed by York & Sawyer, the building features rusticated stone blocks, double-height arches with ornamental ironwork by Samuel Yellin, and a coffered, barrel-vaulted ceiling in the banking hall. The structure has been designated a New York City landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Missouri Bank, Crossroads Branch, Kansas City, Mo.
Architect magazine noted the significance of Missouri Bank‘s Crossroads branch as a prime example of adaptive reuse and community integration. Originally a 1920s auto-repair shop, the building was transformed by Helix Architecture + Design into a LEED Gold-certified bank branch.
The design incorporates local art, including rooftop billboards that display rotating works by area artists, and features a green roof and reclaimed materials, reflecting the bank’s commitment to sustainability and the arts.
C1 Bank, Wynwood, Miami, Florida
C1 Bank’s Wynwood branch in Miami breaks banking-building conventions with its art-centric design, a visual touch that caught the eye of local publication Haute Living.
The interior features a circular desk beneath a unique black chandelier, a conference room adorned with Andy Warhol paintings of Mick Jagger, and private “pods” for client meetings. Designed by Rob Bowen and Lisa Wannemacher, the space also includes hidden safe deposit boxes behind bookcases and a neon green glow after hours, embodying the vibrant spirit of the Wynwood arts district.
On July 22, 2016, C1 Bank merged with and became part of Bank of the Ozarks.
First Home Bank, Mountain Grove, Mo.
Completed in 2015, this First Home Bank branch (rebranded under BayFirst) represents a modern approach to community banking. Its unique exterior warranted mention by industry publication Architizer.
The building features a hovering “super-canopy” that shelters the drive-thru, teller areas, and entrance. The use of glass and open spaces conveys transparency, aligning with the bank’s values of community engagement and accessibility.
Home Building Association Bank, Newark, Ohio
The Society of Architectural Historians spotlights Newark, Ohio’s Home Building Association Bank for its unconventional presence. Featuring a distinct flair of architect Louis Sullivan—called a “jewel box” orientation—the bank was constructed in 1914.
The two-story building features gray-green terra cotta slabs and intricate ornamentation, including a winged lion motif. As is common among artists who sign their work, Sullivan has placed his name in the mosaic above the front door.
Umpqua Bank, Portland, Ore.
Umpqua Bank‘s suburban branches redefine the banking experience by incorporating elements of community spaces, according to This is Design Thinking. The design includes glass walls for transparency, meeting rooms for local businesses, and a marketplace selling goods from local vendors.
Centennial National Bank, Philadelphia, Pa.
The Library of Congress cites the architectural significance of Centennial National Bank in Philadelphia. Designed by Frank Furness and completed in 1876, it is a striking example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Notable for its innovative use of colorfully reflective glass tiles and bold, ornamental brickwork, the building showcased a break from traditional British-influenced Gothic styles. Originally built to serve the Centennial Exposition, it was later preserved and repurposed by Drexel University and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bank Architecture across the United States
These bank branches from across the U.S. showcase the diverse architectural approaches taken to create spaces that are not only functional but also reflective of their communities and eras. Whether their creators updated classic structures for modern-day business needs or fashioned wholly new spaces for commerce, they nonetheless create attractive, functional surroundings for financial services customers.
The enduring architectural appeal and solid construction of many bank buildings mean they sometimes find new purposes altogether, noted in the Banking+ feature on banks that were converted into restaurants. For additional content related to the spatial significance of banks, see the Banking + story on Wall Street architecture.
