Blowhard, Esq. writes:
This is the flagship branch of the Farmers & Merchants Bank, located in downtown Long Beach. It opened its doors in 1923.
And this is also a branch of the Farmers & Merchants Bank, located not 5 miles away in Belmont Shore. Not sure when it was built.
Which do you prefer?
Blowhard, Esq.
Callowman
Sherbrooke
Eddie Pensier
Enzo Nakamura
Epaminondas
Fabrizio del Wrongo
Fenster
Brundle Guy
Glynn Marshes
Paleo Retiree
Atypical Neurotic
Question Lady
Sax von Stroheim
Sir Barken Hyena
The Mistaken
Uncouth Reflections 
The 1922 building by a long shot. That said, I’ve seen worse modern banks than the one here. At least this one has a semi-Deco thing goin’ on. Nice snapz, btw.
LikeLike
There’s a sort of half-hearted Art Deco vibe in many areas of Long Beach, including the stretch of Belmont Shore where the modern bank is located. What’s the deal with that hovering glass box?
LikeLike
Looks like an elevator that they forgot to install …
The whole topic of “what’s become of bank architecture” is an important one. I’ve got some snapz of good and bad banks too — let’s keep hammering away at it, dammit.
LikeLike
I’ll keep a look out for more examples. There’s a particularly henious Bank of America building in Pasadena that deserves a takedown.
LikeLike
Looks like a small town’s idea of what modern architecture should look like.
LikeLike
That “F&M” decoration would make Gropius throw up a little in his mouth. Which is a good thing, IMO.
LikeLike
Pingback: A Tour of the Santa Ana Civic Center | Uncouth Reflections