San Luis Obispo County CA Archives Photo Place.....Commercial Bank Of San Luis Obispo 
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com November 27, 2006, 6:31 pm

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COMMERCIAL BANK OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
Corner Chorro and Higuera Streets

History and Description:

The Commercial Bank Building is located at the corner of Chorro and Higuera
Streets.  The building was built in the late 1800's and purchased by the
Commercial Bank of San Luis Obispo in 1901 for $16,000.00.  Nine years later it
was modernized and doubled in size.  The elaborate ornamentation around the top
was removed to comply with the earthquake regulations.  It was referred to in
the Telegram-Tribune of that time as "one of the handsomest buildings in town".

After a number of mergers, it became known as the Security-First National Bank
of Los Angeles.  In 1950, it was again renovated at a cost of almost $20,000.00.
At this time the building received a complete facelifting.  The facade was
covered over with stucco, the ceilings lowered, and new wiring installed.  In
1961, the bank moved and the building became a jewelry store. With the exception
of an entrance change, the building has not changed since then.

The two-story building is approximately 105 feet by 54 feet.  Originally the
exterior was visible as masonry.  Today it is covered with stucco.  The entrance
to the original structure was on the corner diagonally to Chorro and Higuera
Streets,  Today the entrance is set back on the Higuera side.  The windows are
arched at the top and transmit a rhythm of the Renaissance in their design.  The
sculptured ceilings are concealed above lowered acoustical tile.  The walk-in
vault is still in use and has all the style that craftsmen put in it for the
original bank.

Sources:
Louisiana Cart, Curator, San Luis Obispo County Historical Museum
Mr. Pederson, Security Pacific Bank, Construction Section
Mr. Ross, Ross Jewelry Store
Telegram-Tribune; Centennial Edition, 1956 
       Souvenir Railroad Edition, 1894


Additional Comments:
Extracted from

Discovering San Luis Obispo County
by
Carleton M. Winslow


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