Banco Crédito y Ahorro Ponceño Building Information and History

The Banco Crédito y Ahorro Ponceño building is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. It was designed by architect Rafael Carmignani.

Located in the heart of Ponce, Puerto Rico, this building has been a prominent landmark since its construction in 1904. Its unique blend of neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles has made it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The building's facade is adorned with intricate stone carvings and ornate details, adding to its grandeur and beauty.

The Banco Crédito building is a two-story masonry and concrete structure, situated on a corner lot near Ponce's main square. It's a compact volume that wraps around the corner in a dramatic curve, a requirement since the late 19th century by city ordinances.

The building's architect was Francisco Porrata-Doria, and it showcases a fine example of the early twentieth century Beaux-Arts style, which is extensively represented in Ponce architecture of this period.

The exterior is composed of three levels, with the bottom one made of pink limestone common to the area. The central body is defined by colossal Corinthian pilasters, which articulate the openings of the two main floors in three-bay modules.

The building is located on Calle Marina and Calle Amor, facing west across Plaza Degetau. It's a beautiful spot with a great view.

Calle Amor was previously known as Callejón Amor, which translates to Love Alley. It's hard to imagine it was once a narrow alleyway.

The building is bounded on the east by Calle Mayor. This is a great location for those who want to be in the heart of the action.

In 1991, Amor Street was converted into a promenade and renamed Paseo Antonio S. Arias Ventura. This change has likely brought new life to the area.

The Banco Crédito building is a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Its architect, Francisco Porrata-Doria, designed the building to wrap around the corner of a lot, creating a dramatic curve that corresponds to the chamfered corner required by city ordinances since the late 19th century.

The building's compact volume is divided into three levels, with the bottom one executed in pink limestone, a common feature of the area. The central and main body is defined by colossal Corinthian pilasters, which articulate the openings of the two main floors in three-bay modules.

The exterior is further accentuated by the use of colossal Corinthian pilasters, square and paired at the facades to each street and round and single at the corner. This design element adds to the building's verticality and creates a sense of balance.

The upper body of the building features an elaborate entablature with garlands, dentils, and a projecting, bracketed upper cornice. The entire ensemble is topped by a copper roof in a Mansard configuration.

Here's a breakdown of the building's design elements:

The building's design has been praised by officers and historians with the Puerto Rico Historic Preservation Office, who consider it a fine example of the early 20th-century Beaux-Arts style, which is extensively represented in Ponce architecture of this period.

The Banco Crédito y Ahorro Ponceño building is a historic gem in Ponce, Puerto Rico. It was the first and main office of the historic Banco Crédito y Ahorro Ponceño.

This building represents one of the last examples of turn-of-the-century eclectic architecture, a style that was once very popular. The building was built in 1924.

The Banco Crédito y Ahorro Ponceño building was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on June 25, 1987.