State National Bank
114 E. San Antonio Ave., El Paso, TXExemplifying the Second Renaissance Revival style with detailed precision, the State National Bank building bespeaks the skills of Trost eloquently. The structure represents not only the prominence of Trost as a major influence on the physical appearance of the city but also the presence of the State National Bank as an important financial base throughout the growth and development of El Paso.
Founded in March 1881 the bank's directors and officers consisted of a group of determined and capable men, which included 0. T. Bassett, Joseph Magoffin, and C. R. Morehead. Operating from a brick building located on the site of the present one, the directors had a great influence on the affairs of the town through the bank. At the same time, Magoffin served as mayor for two consecutive terms at the turn of the century. While the bank earned a reputation of being financially sound, the original directors were content with small-scale operations. It was not until the so-called "old guard" was replaced with such men as Charles N. Bassett, George Flory, and other more progressive capitalists that the bank began to expand.
In October 1920, Trost produced plans for a larger structure to replace the existing one. Construction began in March 1921, at which time the bank was forced to relocate temporarily to San Francisco and South El Paso Streets. The impressive structure was exhibited in the opening ceremonies on June 28, 1922. Steel girders used to support the roof eliminated the need for interior columns and the interior was one lofty room. The space was finished with rich materials and details and sumptuously furnished. Completed at a cost of $250,000, it featured the latest in technological developments. However, ten years later, the facility was outgrown and the bank rented the adjoining western property. In 1942 this space which by that time had been purchased was incorporated permanently into the structure as an annex. The design, materials, and craftsmanship established a continuity between the two. Six years later, in 1948, the bank expanded again, this time to the south, to provide senior officers' quarters, a board room, a coffee room, and a larger mail room.
After standing vacant for seven years, the building was purchased by the Home Mortgage Company and restored. The company was able to convert the building to serve its needs with no major structural alterations. Sensitive to the intrinsic beauty of the structure as well as its architectural significance, the classical interior detailing was restored, and contemporary, low-key furnishings were used to compliment it. The original Trost drawings of ink on linen are framed and displayed throughout the offices.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.