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Bank of Italy (Fresno, California) facts for kids

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Bank of Italy
2009-0725-CA-Fresno-BankofItaly.jpg
Former names Bank of America
General information
Type Commercial offices
Architectural style Renaissance Revival
Location 1001 Fulton Mall
Fresno, California
Coordinates 36°44′13″N 119°47′41″W / 36.7369°N 119.7947°W / 36.7369; -119.7947
Construction started 1917
Completed August 1918
Owner Penstar Group
Height
Roof 38 m (125 ft)
Technical details
Floor count 8
Design and construction
Architect Charles H. Franklin
R.F. Felchlin Company
Bank of Italy
Built 1917
Architect Richard Felchlin
Architectural style Renaissance
NRHP reference No. 82000963
Added to NRHP 1982

The Bank of Italy building is a really old and tall building in downtown Fresno, California. It has 9 floors and stands about 38 meters (125 feet) high! This amazing building was finished in 1918. It was first built for the Bank of Italy. This bank later became the famous Bank of America.

The main person who designed the building was Charles H. Franklin. He worked for the R.F. Felchlin Company. Today, the building is empty, but it is still the ninth tallest building in Fresno. It is also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical site. In 2009, a company from Fresno called Penstar Group bought the building.

The Bank of Italy Building

The Bank of Italy building is a well-known landmark in Fresno. It is located right in the heart of the city. When it was built, it was a very modern and impressive structure. It showed how much Fresno was growing at the time.

A Look at Its History

Work on the Bank of Italy building started in 1917. It was completed in August 1918. The building was designed to be a busy commercial office space. It served as a bank for many years. The Bank of Italy was a very important bank in California. It helped many people and businesses. Over time, the Bank of Italy grew even bigger. It eventually changed its name to Bank of America. This made the building a part of a much larger banking story.

Building Style and Design

The Bank of Italy building has a special look called Renaissance Revival. This style was popular a long time ago. It brings back ideas from old Roman and Greek buildings. You can see this in the building's grand design. It has strong, classic shapes and details. The architect, Charles H. Franklin, made sure the building looked important and strong. The design was meant to show the bank's strength and stability.

Why It's Special

The Bank of Italy building is important for a few reasons. First, it is a great example of Renaissance Revival architecture. Second, it played a big part in Fresno's history. It was home to a major bank for many years. Because of its history and design, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This helps protect the building. It makes sure it stays around for future generations to see. Even though it is empty now, it reminds people of Fresno's past.


See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Bank of Italy (Fresno) para niños

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