Discover Banco de Ponce Building in Ponce

Ponce is a city in Puerto Rico known for its rich history and cultural significance.

The Banco de Ponce Building is a prominent landmark in the city's historic district, reflecting the country's architectural style during the early 20th century.

Its Spanish Colonial Revival design is a testament to the city's colonial past, with intricate details and ornate ironwork.

This stunning building has been a part of Ponce's landscape since 1916, serving as a bank and a symbol of the city's growth and prosperity.

The Banco de Ponce building is a four-story structure made of brick and concrete. It's a notable example of architecture in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The building's architect, Francisco Porrata Doria, designed it to fit a very narrow triangular lot. This unique shape is defined by Amor and Comercio Streets.

The building's facade is a continuous wraparound design that envelops the streets and the front to Plaza Las Delicias. It features three horizontal bands, which is a characteristic of the Beaux arts neoclassical style.

The base of the building is made of a pinkish stone extracted from a nearby quarry. This type of stone is commonly used in other Ponce buildings.

The second and third floors house bank offices, which are adorned with elaborate plasterwork and Corinthian columns.

The building is located facing Plaza Degetau, which is a significant landmark in the area. It's situated on a small city block and is bounded by four streets: Mayor, Francisco Parra Duperon (also known as Comercio), Marina, and Amor.

Amor street was originally called Callejon Amor, or Amor Alley, which translates to Love Alley. This name was likely due to the charming and romantic atmosphere of the area.

In 1991, Amor street was converted into a promenade and renamed Paseo Antonio Arias Ventura, in honor of a long-time employee of the bank who rose from humble beginnings to become the general manager.

Banco de Ponce was a prominent bank in Puerto Rico, founded in 1917 by a group of ten individuals, including Mario Mercado and Amador Torres.

The bank's main office in downtown Ponce was built in 1924, and it's a four-story brick and concrete structure that's still standing today.

The building's facade is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts neoclassical architecture, featuring three horizontal bands and a pinkish stone base extracted from a quarry near the city.

The second and third floors house the bank's office, with elaborate plasterwork and Corinthian columns that add to the building's grandeur.

Here's a quick rundown of the building's notable features:

The building's third floor was even used as a ballroom for Ponce's old casino, adding to the building's rich history.

The Banco de Ponce building is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture in Puerto Rico.

It was designed by architect Rafael Carmoega in 1900.

The building's design is heavily influenced by European architecture, particularly from the United States and Spain.

The Banco de Ponce building features a grand entrance with a large stone façade and a distinctive clock tower.

The building's clock tower stands at an impressive 120 feet tall.

The Banco de Ponce building has been designated as a National Historic Landmark since 1982.