Bank of San Mateo County, 2000-2002 Broadway, Redwood City, San Mateo County, CA

Significance: The oldest stone-faced building in the county, this stately Renaissance Revival building dates from 1900. Incorporated in 1891, before moving to its present site, it is the earliest bank in San Mateo County. Founded by prominent early citizens of the city, the bank quickly became a leading financial institution between San Francisco and San Jose. / Considered to be the oldest stone building in the county, this stately Renaissance Revival bank dates from 1900. Incorporated in 1891, before being moved to its present location, it is one of the earliest banks in San Mateo County. Founded by prominent citizens of the city, the bank quickly became a leading financial institution between San Francisco and San Jose. Designed by Alfred I. Coffey of San Francisco, the building initiated a new level of monumentality in the architecture of Redwood City and confidence in the area's commercial future. The exterior displays neo-classical detailing in the use of Composite Order colossal pilasters and projecting pediments with cornice blocks. The corner treatment is a typical bay area urban form, popular at the turn of the century, though rarely expressed in stone. The semi-circular colonnaded entrance porch supporting a bay window and capped by a high ribbed dome and flag pole provides a strongly defined terminus for the commercial block and street crossing. Although virtually unused for over thirty years, the bank building remains a unique and significant architectural landmark in the history of Redwood City.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: FN-186
Survey number: HABS CA-1991
Building/structure dates: 1900 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1909 Subsequent Work