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Civic Center Financial District facts for kids

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Civic Center Financial District
Civic Center Financial District 3.JPG
The Security Pacific Building
Civic Center Financial District is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Civic Center Financial District
Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Civic Center Financial District is located in California
Civic Center Financial District
Location in California
Civic Center Financial District is located in the United States
Civic Center Financial District
Location in the United States
Location E. Colorado Blvd. and Marengo Ave., Pasadena, California
Area 1.2 acres (0.49 ha)
Built 1928 (1928)
NRHP reference No. 82000967
Added to NRHP October 29, 1982

The Civic Center Financial District is a historic area in Pasadena, California. It includes five important buildings. These buildings are located near the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Marengo Avenue. They were all built between 1905 and 1928. These buildings are special because they show off the architecture used by banks and other money-related businesses a long time ago.

Exploring the Historic Buildings

The district has five main buildings. Each one has its own unique style and history. The Security Pacific Building and the Citizens Bank Building are right at the main intersection. The MacArthur, Mutual, and Crown Buildings are nearby on North Marengo Avenue.

The Security Pacific Building

The Security Pacific Building was built in 1924. It is a tall, eight-story building. Its design is called Second Renaissance Revival. This style looks back to the grand buildings of the Renaissance period. The building has a cool arched walkway at its entrance. The first floor looks like it's made of pink granite, but it's actually a special type of clay called terra cotta.

The Citizens Bank Building

The Citizens Bank Building was finished in 1914. It stands seven stories high. This building is designed in the Neoclassical style. This means it looks like ancient Greek or Roman buildings. The first floor also uses terra cotta. It has tall, flat columns called pilasters at the entrance. There is also a metal clock that faces the street corner.

The MacArthur Building

The MacArthur Building was built in 1926. It is a two-story building made of brick. The front of the building is covered in terra cotta. Its main doorway has two tall, decorative columns on each side. These columns are in the Ionic style, which means they have scroll-like designs at the top.

The Mutual Building

The Mutual Building was constructed between 1905 and 1909. It is a two-story brick building. After it was built, the first floor was covered with wood and stucco. Stucco is a type of plaster used on walls. The building has wooden double doors with oval-shaped glass panes. The Mutual Building is connected to the Crown Building by a wooden deck.

The Crown Building

The Crown Building was built in 1907. It is also a two-story brick building. Its terra cotta front was added later, in 1928. The second floor of this building has a Beaux-Arts design. This style is known for being very grand and decorative. It has pilasters between the windows and decorative ledges above the first floor and below the roof.

Why These Buildings Are Important

All five of these buildings are very important. They show how banks and businesses looked in the early 1900s. Because of their special history and architecture, they were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This happened on October 29, 1982. Being on this list means they are officially recognized as important historical sites in the United States.

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