Downtown Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Greek Influence

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2020

1. Greek Influence Marker

Inscription. In 1929, the architects of the National Bank of Commerce wanted to convey the strength of the bank by basing their design on ancient Greek temples. It's built according to the "Golden Section" rule, meaning that its width to length ratio is almost exactly 1 to 1.618, the same as a Greek temple.

Erected 2003 by Center City Commission. (Marker Number 22.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee, Memphis, Center City Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.

Location. 35° 8.636′ N, 90° 3.12′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Downtown Memphis. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South 2nd Street (State Highway 14) and Monroe Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker is on sidewalk, about 20 feet to the left of the building entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 44 South 2nd Street, Memphis TN 38103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Hole in the Wall (within shouting distance of this marker); William Len Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); William Len (within shouting distance of this marker); Face-off

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Fire of 1872 (about 400 feet away); Peabody Hotel (about 400 feet away); Civil War Capitol (about 400 feet away); First Black Radio Station (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Also see . . .
1. Historic Memphis Buildings ... and Notable Businesses. Entry (under Commerce & Trust Bank) on Historic-Memphis website. (Submitted on April 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Downtown Memphis Commission's Sidewalk Stories Tour. Walking itinerary compiled by Google Maps. Note: Some markers are missing. (Submitted on April 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2020

2. Greek Influence Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 160 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.