Bank of Italy
a.k.a. Livermore City Hall
2250 1st St., Livermore, CAThe building was designated a historical structure by the Livermore City Council on December 12, 1977, under Chapter 11 of Sections 1 and 2 of Ordinance 905 adopted December 13, 1976, and Ordinance 906 adopted December 20, 1976.
The Bank of Italy commissioned Alfred J. Storm to construct the Building on May 17, 1921, to be the 13th branch of what is now the largest banking system in the world, the Bank of America. During construction, the Bank of Italy operated out of temporary offices next door on Lizzie Street, (now S. Livermore Ave. ).
The branch was officially opened on January 3, 1922, by Charles Arnette Smith, manager. The first customers were Lloyd Henry Lassen and Zelda Hazel Lassen, prominent local farmers. The local Chamber of Commerce gave a reception and dinner that evening. The Toastmaster was Mr. Thomas W. Norris, President of the competing First National Branch of Livermore.
The building was purchased by the City of Livermore for use as City Hall on August 28, 1957. Since that time, Livermore's population has grown from 12,000 to over 48,000 residents. The building known as "City Hall" for the past 30 years is identified as the focal point of city government during the city's period of major growth. Because of continually expanding needs, the City of Livermore will soon be moving into a newly constructed City Hall Center.
Landmark status has been given to the granite-faced building, not only for its own historic and architectural features but because it stands across Livermore's center from other historical buildings of the same era and style.
The Bank of Italy is architecturally significant as an early 20th-century Second Renaissance Revival bank building and is an excellent example of the neo-classic architecture which embellished California's early 20th-century townscape.
Local significance of the building:
The Bank of Italy commissioned Alfred J. Storm to construct the Building on May 17, 1921, to be the 13th branch of what is now the largest banking system in the world, the Bank of America. During construction, the Bank of Italy operated out of temporary offices next door on Lizzie Street, (now S. Livermore Ave. ).
The branch was officially opened on January 3, 1922, by Charles Arnette Smith, manager. The first customers were Lloyd Henry Lassen and Zelda Hazel Lassen, prominent local farmers. The local Chamber of Commerce gave a reception and dinner that evening. The Toastmaster was Mr. Thomas W. Norris, President of the competing First National Branch of Livermore.
The building was purchased by the City of Livermore for use as City Hall on August 28, 1957. Since that time, Livermore's population has grown from 12,000 to over 48,000 residents. The building known as "City Hall" for the past 30 years is identified as the focal point of city government during the city's period of major growth. Because of continually expanding needs, the City of Livermore will soon be moving into a newly constructed City Hall Center.
Landmark status has been given to the granite-faced building, not only for its own historic and architectural features but because it stands across Livermore's center from other historical buildings of the same era and style.
The Bank of Italy is architecturally significant as an early 20th-century Second Renaissance Revival bank building and is an excellent example of the neo-classic architecture which embellished California's early 20th-century townscape.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The first European to set foot in California was Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer sailing for the Spanish crown. He arrived in what is now San Diego Bay in 1542 and explored the coast for several months.
About Alameda County
Alameda County Timeline
Alameda County, located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ohlone people, who lived along the shores and in the hills of the region. They thrived on a diet consisting of fish, game, and a variety of plants.
In the late 18th century, Spanish explorers, led by Juan Bautista de Anza, arrived in the area. The Spanish established missions, including Mission San Jose, and began to establish settlements. The area eventually came under Mexican rule following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821. During this period, the land was primarily used for cattle ranching and agriculture.
In the mid-19th century, the California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers to the region, including Alameda County. Settlers came in search of gold, but many also recognized the potential for agriculture and industry in the area. The county became an important transportation hub with the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and the Oakland Long Wharf, facilitating trade and commerce.
As the 20th century dawned, Alameda County experienced significant growth and development. The city of Oakland emerged as a major urban center, with a thriving port and a diverse population. The county also saw the establishment of various industries, including shipping, manufacturing, and automobile manufacturing. Alameda County played a pivotal role during World War II as a strategic military location, hosting naval bases and shipyards.
Today, Alameda County is a vibrant and diverse region, home to numerous cities and communities. It is known for its cultural institutions, tech industry, beautiful landscapes, and diverse population. The county continues to evolve, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and quality of life for its residents.
In the late 18th century, Spanish explorers, led by Juan Bautista de Anza, arrived in the area. The Spanish established missions, including Mission San Jose, and began to establish settlements. The area eventually came under Mexican rule following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821. During this period, the land was primarily used for cattle ranching and agriculture.
In the mid-19th century, the California Gold Rush brought a wave of settlers to the region, including Alameda County. Settlers came in search of gold, but many also recognized the potential for agriculture and industry in the area. The county became an important transportation hub with the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and the Oakland Long Wharf, facilitating trade and commerce.
As the 20th century dawned, Alameda County experienced significant growth and development. The city of Oakland emerged as a major urban center, with a thriving port and a diverse population. The county also saw the establishment of various industries, including shipping, manufacturing, and automobile manufacturing. Alameda County played a pivotal role during World War II as a strategic military location, hosting naval bases and shipyards.
Today, Alameda County is a vibrant and diverse region, home to numerous cities and communities. It is known for its cultural institutions, tech industry, beautiful landscapes, and diverse population. The county continues to evolve, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and quality of life for its residents.
Alameda County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Alameda County, California.
- 1853: Alameda County is created from a large portion of Contra Costa County
- 1855: The city of Oakland is incorporated
- 1868: The University of California is founded in Oakland
- 1872: The first transcontinental railroad connection to the East Coast is completed in Oakland
- 1874: The city of Berkeley is incorporated
- 1900: The city of Fremont is incorporated
- 1906: The devastating San Francisco earthquake also affects Alameda County
- 1916: Alameda County courthouse in Oakland is completed
- 1936: The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is opened
- 1966: The Black Panther Party is founded in Oakland
- 1970: The Alameda County Sheriff's Office is consolidated
- 1997: The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory opens in Livermore