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Bank of California Building (San Francisco) facts for kids

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Bank of California Building
Bank of California - 400 California St (with annex).jpg
1908 structure at right, with 1967 structure behind at left
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 / 37.7932; -122.4016
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. You can find it at 400 California Street in the city's busy financial district. This area is where many banks and businesses are located.

The building is special because it has two very different parts. The older part was built in 1908. It looks like ancient Greek and Roman buildings, with grand columns and detailed designs. The newer part was added in 1967. It's a tall, 22-story tower that stands 312 feet high. This newer section has a more modern, strong, and simple look, often called "Brutalist" architecture. It was annexed, meaning it was added on to the original building.

The Bank of California Building

The Bank of California Building is a landmark in San Francisco. It shows how architecture changed over time. The original part, designed by Walter Danforth Bliss and William Baker Faville, is a beautiful example of early 20th-century design. It has a classic, formal style that was popular for important buildings like banks.

A Mix of Old and New

The 1967 tower was designed by Anshen & Allen. This addition made the building much larger and taller. The contrast between the old and new parts makes the Bank of California Building unique. It stands out in the financial district, showing both history and modern growth.

What Happened to the Bank?

The Bank of California was a well-known bank for many years. In 1996, another bank called Union Bank took over the building. This happened as part of a merger, which is when two companies combine to become one larger company. So, even though the building is still called the Bank of California Building, it is now owned by Union Bank.

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