Follow the money : identifying the custom architecturally designed branch bank
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Date
2009
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MA in Historic Preservation
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Abstract
This thesis breaks new ground through the identification and academic analysis of
a mid-century modern building type that represents the history of nationwide banking
practices and an evolving architectural form. Using Phoenix, Arizona as the backdrop,
this research examines the origins and evolution of the Custom Architecturally Designed
Branch Bank, a building type previously not studied in a scholarly manner.
First, the research summarizes the history of banking and branch banking in the
United States from its 18th century roots to 1975, highlights the styles and trends of bank
architecture during that period, and focuses on specific examples in Phoenix.
Second, the research looks at branch banks as a building type describing the
characteristics of the Custom Architecturally Designed Branch Bank citing specific
historical and culturally significant Phoenix examples. Resulting from this scholarly
analysis is the argument that the Custom Architecturally Designed Branch Bank is a
significant building type.
Finally the research proposes strategies for preservation of these properties and
provides Phoenix examples of successes and “lessons learned” from failures applicable
nationwide. Included are suggested approaches for advocating preservation of the
Custom Architecturally Designed Branch Bank after examining the threats for each site.