Downtown San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Bank of America Building

August 19, 2020

1. Bank of America Building Marker

Inscription. One of the San Jose's earliest skyscrapers, this building has served as a local landmark since its construction in 1925-6. The Bank of America, originally known as the Bank of Italy, was founded by San José native A.P. Giannini in 1904. Although the bank was based in San Francisco, Giannini, mindful of his origins, established his first out-of-town branch in San José. This handsome structure was designed by architect H. A. Minton as headquarters for the bank’s San José branches.

Erected by City of San Jose.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.

Location. 37° 20.154′ N, 121° 53.415′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Downtown San Jose. It is on South First Street south of East Santa Clara Street, on the right when traveling north. The building is located on the southeast corner and the marker is mounted on a pole on the sidewalk at the entrance to the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8 South First Street, San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area,

in Silicon Valley,

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Knox-Goodrich Building (within shouting distance of this marker); San Jose Mercury News (about

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300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Letitia Building (about 400 feet away); San José Academy (about 400 feet away); New Century Block (about 500 feet away); Electric Light Tower (about 600 feet away); Juzgado (about 600 feet away); Herrold Radio Broadcasting Station (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Also see . . . San Jose Downtown Walking Tour. (Submitted on May 31, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed by I.G.V.Atajar, September 24, 2010

2. Bank of America Building Marker

Bank of America Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

3. Bank of America Building

View from across East Santa Clara Street.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

4. Bank of America Building

Photographed by Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

5. Bank of America Building

View from street level.

August 19, 2020

6. Bank of America Building

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,888 times since then and 132 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 20, 2020. 2. submitted on November 23, 2010, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 10, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 6. submitted on August 20, 2020.