First National Bank Building, Albuquerque

Located in downtown Albuquerque, the First National Bank Building was the former headquarters of the First National Bank of Albuquerque and is now a historic landmark. Constructed in 1922-23, it replaced an older building at Second and Gold Streets. The El Paso firm of Trost & Trost designed the building at the request of the bank, with Henry C. Trost as the lead architect. The nine-story building, standing at 141 feet (43 meters), was the tallest structure in Albuquerque and was dubbed the city's first skyscraper. It remained the tallest building in the city until 1954 when it was surpassed by the Simms Building.

After relocating to First Plaza in 1975, the First National Bank sold the building but regained ownership in 1990 and moved some of its departments back in. First Security Bank, the bank's successor, owned the building until 1999 when it was purchased by a private developer who intended to convert it into a luxury hotel. However, the plans changed, and the building was eventually remodeled into high-end condominiums known as The Banque Lofts, which opened in 2006.

Architecturally, the L-shaped First National Bank Building comprises three sections: a two-story base, a six-story main block, and a one-story crown. The base contains the original double-height banking hall, a mezzanine, and a row of 22-foot (6.7 meters) high arched windows extending around the building, including into the alley. The building is decorated with various ornaments, such as scrolls, rosettes, medallions, and moldings. The ninth floor boasts corner medallions and a heavy cornice, and a string course sets it apart from the rest of the building. The concrete-framed structure features a full basement and two mechanical floors. The banking lobby has a high coffered ceiling supported by two rows of octagonal columns and continues the arched window pattern on all four sides. The lobby area was renovated into office space in 2017 but it still retains most of its original details, including the bank vault.

In 1978, the First National Bank Building was added to the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties, and in 1979, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Sight Name: First National Bank Building
Sight Location: Albuquerque, USA (See walking tours in Albuquerque)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Downtown Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Creating your own self-guided walk in Albuquerque is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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A must-go-to for students and visitors alike,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles

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