Built in 1968, this unique structure and its park-like surroundings are situated in a high-profile, and therefore high-dollar location. One of bank CEO Walter Bimson's commissioned structures, the 44th Street and Camelback Road branch is a rare artistic, architectural form. The current owner, Chase Bank, and its developer, Opus West, have offered to preserve the bank structure while developing the rest of the property.
The local neighborhood association and others are vehemently opposed to this idea. The latter contingent state that original owner, Valley National Bank, made promises to preserve the park-like setting around the bank and they will settle for no less. While this bank, and the few remaining that were commissioned by Bimson, qualifies for the National Register of Historic Places, it does not have a historic designation by the city and therefore the owner may decide to demolish it and develop the entire property.
[For more information, contact Joanna Peters, president, Arcadia Camelback Mountain Neighborhood Association, at 602-770-8215 or e-mail. Photo source: Ron Passarelli.]
September 2007 Update:
- “Bank designs of 1950s leave a lasting imprint,” Arizona Republic, September 15, 2007
- Letter from National Trust for Historic Preservation to Mayor Phil Gordon, September 18, 2007
