Follow the money : identifying the custom architecturally designed branch bank

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.