Bank of California Building (San Francisco) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bank of California Building |
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1908 structure at right, with 1967 structure behind at left
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| Alternative names | 400 California Street The Grand Old Lady of California Street |
| General information | |
| Type | Commercial offices |
| Location | 400 California Street San Francisco, California |
| Coordinates | 37°47′36″N 122°24′06″W / 37.7932°N 122.4016°W |
| Completed | 1908 / 1967 |
| Height | |
| Roof | 312 ft (95 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 22 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Walter Danforth Bliss and William Baker Faville / Anshen & Allen |
| Designated: | September 3, 1968 |
| Reference #: | 3 |
The Bank of California Building is a famous building in San Francisco, California. It stands at 400 California Street in the city's financial district. The building has two main parts. The older part, built in 1908, looks like classic Greek and Roman buildings. A taller, modern tower, 312 feet high with 22 stories, was added in 1967.
This building was one of the first big commercial buildings finished after the huge 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Its completion helped bring the city's financial area back to life. Today, Union Bank owns this historic landmark.
Contents
A Look Back: The Building's Story
The Bank of California was a very important bank in the western United States. It was started by William Chapman Ralston on July 5, 1864. The bank grew quickly and needed a bigger home. So, famous architects Walter Danforth Bliss and William Baker Faville were chosen to design a grand new building.
Overcoming the Great Earthquake
In January 1906, the bank moved out of its old spot to get ready for the new building's construction. But on April 18, 1906, a massive earthquake and fire hit San Francisco. This disaster stopped all building plans.
However, the city and the bank did not give up! Work on the new building started again just six weeks later. The new Bank of California building opened its doors on September 8, 1908. People lovingly called it "The Grand Old Lady of California Street." It was the very first commercial building in the Financial District to rise from the earthquake's destruction.
A New Chapter for the Bank
Many years later, in 1996, the Bank of California joined with Union Bank. They became Union Bank of California, N.A. On September 8, 2008, the building celebrated its 100th birthday! Union Bank of California's President and CEO, Masakki Tanaka, along with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, held a special ceremony to honor the building's long history.
Images for kids
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The Bank of California Building, showing the old and new parts.
