A century-long tradition of banking in Portland’s most elegant business location will end Nov. 30 when U.S. National Bank permanently closes its historic Main Branch at 321 SW 6th Ave.
US National has closed several other branches as the banking business moves heavily to the internet. In the bank’s earliest days, customers dressed in Sunday attire to do their banking. Now we move pixels on a tiny screen, instead.
“Understanding that clients’ banking behaviors are changing,
we continue to adapt how and where we operate,” a district manager wrote to
branch customers. “As a result, we have
decided to close this location permanently as of Nov. 30, 2023.”
The late architect George McMath once wrote, “The marble
floors, the mezzanine balustrade, the tasteful marble, plaster and bronze
ornament, all crowned by the high coffered ceiling subtly painted in Classical
colors, combine to display the sense of grandeur and wealth that was required
of banks in the early 1900s.”
The building itself is not in immediate
danger. U.S. National sold it several
years ago and merely has been a tenant.
The building has rented office space on floors above the grand banking
space. The current owner is a foreign
limited liability company with an address in Sandy, Utah.
Because of its historic landmark status – not to mention its ornate architectural design -- changes to the exterior of the bank are unlikely to be proposed or approved. Alas, there is no specific protection for the elegant banking floor. One imagine that a new tenant might be found in the realms of insurance or real estate of investment brokerage.
After Nov. 30, pedestrians will still be able to enjoy the heavy, curving bronze doors that feature bas relief panels related to Oregon history.
Join Building on History’s email list by writing “add me” to fredleeson@hotmail.com
Would seem to be an ideal restaurant or event space.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought also. Very elegant. A shame to waste it on fiance.
DeleteI am still not sure if the bank closure/internet thing is a push or pull phenomenon. Here in Palm Springs, Bank of America closed all their physical branch locations in the Cochella Valley except for one, leaving customers like me with hour long waits to talk to a real person. Well OF COURSE we will switch over to online banking then. Several of the closed branches here are architecturally significant and always included on local architectural tours. Who knows what fate awaits them?
ReplyDelete