The building on California Avenue that until recently served as a branch of Bank of the West is slated to receive a major facelift, a colorful new mural and a new tenant: Silicon Valley Bank.
Last month, the city received a proposal from the building owner, Redwood City-based Arton Investment, to replace the building's stucco façade and remove the "breeze block" elements that have long served as the defining feature of the bank's front entrance. The decorative blocks will be replaced with metal panels and a solar-shading louver system that the applicant says would improve the building's energy performance and improve its aesthetic.
For visitors to California Avenue, the most visible change will be a large mural on the side of the building. The applicant plans to work with the Public Art Commission to come up with the proper design and to make sure that the new artwork is consistent with the city's aspiration for the commercial strip.
"The intention for the mural on site is to provide the community with a vibrant and creative piece of public art," applicant Kevin Lieberman, wrote to the city. "The design team and client will work with a local muralist to design a large scale mural on the building that will contribute to the local art on California Avenue."
The building at 414 California Ave. has been vacant since Bank of the West left in February. Because it will retain its "bank or financial service use," Silicon Valley Bank will not require any zone changes or exemptions from the city to make the move to California Avenue.
Founded by Roger Smith, a local resident and community volunteer, Silicon Valley Bank has 20 locations throughout California, according to the bank's website.
The application comes at a time of transition for California Avenue, which was closed to car traffic during the pandemic and is about to undergo a multiyear planning process aimed at further enhancing its aesthetics. The City Council voted earlier this year to keep the street car-free at least until December 2023 and to adopt new design standards to replace existing tents with more permanent dining areas.
Comments
Registered user
College Terrace
on Jul 12, 2022 at 11:01 am
Registered user
on Jul 12, 2022 at 11:01 am
I believe the exterior of this building should be considered an historic asset and should be maintained as is.
I don’t know the exact date the building was built but surely it is a fine example of mid century design.
Registered user
College Terrace
on Jul 12, 2022 at 12:25 pm
Registered user
on Jul 12, 2022 at 12:25 pm
Metal blocks will replace the historic architectural element on the facade of the bank to deprive California Avenue of a much appreciated and admired feature. Why does this facade have to be dropped? Please do not tell me that it
does not complement SVBank’s identity. We need to preserve midcentury architecture and honor the contribution it makes to the California Avenue Business District and Palo Alto as well.
Registered user
Crescent Park
on Jul 12, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Registered user
on Jul 12, 2022 at 12:36 pm
The building is UGLY.
Cheers to SVBank!
Registered user
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jul 12, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Registered user
on Jul 12, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Banks are in need of more security. A bank with an atm at front is a magnet for someone to come with a truck and pull it out. Metal blocks prevent vehicles from getting too close.
Airports and other venues are putting up huge barriers to prevent vehicles from driving in and causing mayhem. Some airports are making passengers walk 100 yards from drop off zones to terminals.
Some banks are closing branches. It is good to see a new branch being opened in town.
Registered user
College Terrace
on Jul 12, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Registered user
on Jul 12, 2022 at 2:46 pm
I’m sure a design could accommodate ATM security needs without removing the upper mid century facade.
The proposed new design looks to be completely out of keeping and incongruous within the context of the other Cal Ave bldgs.
Registered user
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jul 12, 2022 at 3:11 pm
Registered user
on Jul 12, 2022 at 3:11 pm
Glad to see this vacant building will get a new tenant. I don't view this building as a contributor to local architectural history. It's an example of midcentury design, but not such a great one that it warrants preservation, in my opinion. If you love it, you might take a picture to preserve it for your own viewing pleasure.
Registered user
Mountain View
on Jul 12, 2022 at 3:29 pm
Registered user
on Jul 12, 2022 at 3:29 pm
Those familiar with the Bank of the West buildings in downtown Los Altos and Mountain View will note that they share a similar architectural design.
The California Avenue Bank of the West branch was once The First National Bank (of San Jose) during the 1950s.
Whether it's an architectural treasure is strictly in the eyes of the beholder as there are some Palo Alto residents who consider the 1920s era Birge Clark 'Spanish Retro' designs (i.e. the Ross Building, President Hotel et al) tiresome and dated eyesores.
Registered user
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jul 12, 2022 at 5:55 pm
Registered user
on Jul 12, 2022 at 5:55 pm
That bank building is so ugly. Maybe from the 50's when I was a kid.