Republic National Bank
a.k.a. Republic Bank; First RepublicBank Corp.
300 N. Ervay/325 N. St. Paul St., Dallas, TXThe Republic Bank Building (1955, additions in 1965 and 1980) was the first major downtown post-war office building in Dallas and is one of the most visible, architecturally important, and recognizable buildings in the city. The original building and its two compatible additions represent the growth of banking in Dallas. It is also significant for its association with Fred F. Florence, a long-time president of Republic Bank and distinguished civic leader. Harrison and Abramovitz of New York designed the original building and tower with Gill and Harrell of Dallas. Harrell also designed the 1965 and 1980 additions. A formidable influence on the post-war skyline of Dallas, the building is distinguished for the large decorative rocket-shaped mast atop the original tower and its exterior skin of embossed aluminum panels. The building's banking lobby boasts marble and terrazzo finishes with 1950s-modern detailing including a massive serpentine balcony decorated in gold leaf. The building is nominated for the Area of Architecture at the state level of significance as the second skyscraper in the nation and the first west of the Mississippi to use the aluminum panel curtain wall system and as an outstanding example of the work of architects Harrison and Abramovitz. The property is nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A, in the Area of Economics at the local level of significance for its association with the history of mid-to-late-20th century banking in Dallas and Republic Bank, once the largest bank in Texas. It is also nominated under Criterion B in the Area of Economics, at the local level of significance for its strong association with the long-time company president, Fred F. Florence. The building meets Criteria Consideration G (Properties that Have Achieved Significance within the Last Fifty Years) because it is an outstanding example of a mid-century modern skyscraper designed by the nationally recognized architectural firm Harrison and Abromovitz, and together with its compatible 1964-65 Republic Tower addition serves as a testament to the status of Republic Bank as a principal financial institution in Texas.
Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
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.