First National Bank
The First National Bank Building was the tallest skyscraper in the two Carolinas when it opended in 1926. Louis Asbury selected the popular Neoclassicism as the design for this buidling. When the First National Bank was opened in 1926 the top two floors housed a branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. This is indicative of Charlotte's rising importance in the financial world. This building more than others that were designed at the time really helped to shape what Uptown Charlotte is known for today: a skyline filled with towering banking buildings. (1)
This postcard depicts the Louis Asbury structure originally designed as the First National Bank Building. After the Bank closed in 1930, the building was known by various other names over the next several decades. In 1942, the building was called the Life Liberty Building. Other monikers include the Baugh Building (1964) and the Bank of North Carolina Center (1976). In 2007, the building was converted to an office condominium and renamed to simply Tryon Plaza.
In June 2006, the First National Bank Building was sold to The Simpson Organization. Simpson noted that they were drawn to the building's history and relevance to the uptown landscape, "But as much as anything, we were attracted to the Charlotte community's commitment to its downtown. We're going to remain true to the art-nouveau style of the building," Simpson said.(2)
The building's offices are now sold or leased as commercial office condominiums.(3)
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1. "The First National Bank Building," Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, Accessed December 10, 2012. http://www.cmhpf.org.
2. Howard, J. Lee, "112 Tryon Purchased by Atlanta Firm," Charlotte Business Journal June 5, 2006, Accessed December 10, 2012. http://www.bizjournals.com.
3. http://www.tryonplaza.com