Atlantic National Bank (c. 1955)

A Bank Building & Equipment Corporation advertisement portrayed this structure to have personality in its steel, marble and glass, which made its spaces come alive, resulting in the attraction of more customers.  According to S.L. Shepherd, manager of the Bank Building & Equipment Corporation’s new Miami office West Palm Beach’s Atlantic National Bank was a primary exhibit on display at the Florida Bankers Convention of March 1955.  The building was an ultra modern structure that stands as an imposing example of contemporary bank building architecture.  The corporation designed, constructed and equipped the new facility.  Shepherd was the architect and possessed over 40 years of experience in bank design, working with the company since 1926.

For this structure, the Bank Building & Equipment Corporation designed a long, low-slung building with a pronounced proscenium entrance.  A two-story, evenly-spaced grid of glass allowed light to penetrate around the extended proscenium that also served as a large sign and an entrance covering for several glass front doors.  On the interior, the building featured a wide sweeping stairway leading from the lobby to safe deposit and small loan departments.  Walnut and marble teller booths were accentuated by concrete brick walls with illuminated plant boxes, while luxurious gray carpet and rubber cushion tile blended with terra cotta and soft salmon décor, providing a distinctively modern aesthetic.