6 minute read
Bank of Italy—A Building for the Ages
Bank of Italy—A Building for the Ages
Words and Photos Provided by Terry Ommen
Visalia is filled with hidden treasures, many of us drive past amazing pieces of history on our way to work, without stopping to think about all of the detail that has been put into these treasures.
One such hidden treasure is the Bank of Italy building, nestled on the northwest corner of Church and Main streets. This corner has been home to banking for 150 years, and this building continues to stand as a historic treasure. It started with the Bank of Visalia in 1874, when the company bought the Gem Saloon on the corner and remodeled and expanded the structure. The building, complete with a high clock tower, dominated the corner for many years while going through several name changes. In the early 1920s, the building was sold to the Bank of Italy company, founded by A.P. Giannini, and in 1921, it officially became the Visalia branch of the Bank of Italy. The new bank operated in the old building for a short time, and then the company decided to upgrade.
The old Bank of Visalia building was demolished, temporary banking quarters were found, and on March 23, 1923, construction began on the new five-story Bank of Italy building. The contracting firm of R.F. Felchlin Co. of Fresno was the lead contractor. One of their steps: driving 186 piles into the ground to stabilize the foundation for the massive building. Twenty-five subcontractors from all over the state worked on the project. On Saturday, September 1, 1923, the new building was dedicated, and three days later, the Bank of Italy opened for business there.
The building was, and still is beautiful. It was called the “Valley’s finest banking home.” The 101-year-old classical revival style structure continues to charm today and has even been granted a listing on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places. Recently, Darlene Searcy, the self-appointed liaison for the building owners, invited me to tour and explore this elegant landmark. I’d been in it many times before, but she offered access to areas that I’d never explored. I was able to explore the building from top to bottom with my guides, Darlene and Loree Dupree, the property manager with Total Property Management. The experience did not disappoint, and this Visalia treasure will continue to stand as a lasting legacy.
Starting with the normally inaccessible rooftop, we took in the views that were spectacular in all directions. Beyond these views, the roof contains the normal ducting, plumbing and a number of antennas. There is also a small room with a metal galvanized water tank perched on the very top. The room is for elevator equipment, and the 4,700 gallon reservoir supplies water to the 47 tenants. The old tank was recently replaced with a new water tank made and installed by Robinson's Welding and Art of Plumbing.
The roof revealed another interesting feature: A long wooden pole that once held the American flag. The pole’s wooden base is still attached to the rooftop structure. At one time, the roof was reportedly used by employees and tenants as a break space for relaxing.
Basements are a rare sighting in Visalia, but this building houses a large basement space, which is still being used. The subterranean space is used to store spare fixtures, room and safe doors, door knob sets, and trim pieces. The large underground area has plenty of room to keep everything organized. One wall in the basement is decorated with graffiti, providing a small glimpse into what life was like back in the day. Handwritten notes, names and addresses are recorded. One interesting note says, “Started work here September 14, 1928, R. G. McGinnis.” There is also a rumor that at one time the name Amadeo Peter Giannini, the bank founder, was written on the wall, but we could not find it during our tour.
As an aside, my curiosity was piqued by the McGinnis name, so after the tour I checked my files and discovered that Ralph G. McGinnis was the elevator operator in the building. If his wall notation is correct, the man worked as an elevator operator there for more than a dozen years.
Another story about the basement involves a special bank teller station. A tunnel was allegedly connected between Chinatown and the basement of the bank. To avoid discrimination, Chinese residents would use the tunnel to do bank business, all out of public view, below ground level. The special teller station or signs of a tunnel could not be found—perhaps just another of many Visalia tunnel stories.
Certainly the outside appearance of the reinforced concrete edifice with its sandstone façade, all set on a granite base, captures much attention. But its lesser-known inside features and accoutrements are equally impressive.
Using the elevator, we visited the upper office floors that are rented by a variety of businesses. We toured the public ground floor space used by the Bank of the Sierra. The grandeur of the bank’s interior design cannot be overstated. The ornate six columns, classical moldings and bas relief designs give one the feeling of being in a Greek temple.
The gorgeous and ornate clock with Roman numerals on its face is a feature I hadn’t noticed before. Built into the north wall, but partially hidden behind massive chandeliers, the elegant clock deserves more attention than it gets. So on your next visit, walk toward the back of the bank, look up and you’ll be rewarded with a timepiece unique to Visalia.
This century-old bank building is like no other in Visalia. It gives the town a feeling of glamor and an air of sophistication. The next time you visit or take a stroll downtown, take a few minutes to look around. You will see something new each time. Thanks to Darlene, Loree, and the building owners for allowing me a chance to explore and share a Visalia treasure. So, next time you drive by on your way to work, stop to appreciate the detail and work that has been put into making this treasure in Visalia.
