Union Savings and Loan (1958)

Union Savings and Loan (1958), originally uploaded by regional.modernism.

The Union Savings and Loan Association (established 1866) embarked on a significant expansion and renovation of their main office in 1958.

The five-story Union Savings and Loan building at Carondelet and Perdido streets was enlarged and completely re-modeled by Harry Banker Smith of August Perez and Associates. For the exterior Smith composed bands of vertical black porcelain enamel panels, turquoise mosaic tile, Italian marble and aluminum-framed glass in a minimalist fashion.

The Times-Picayune reported on the interior, "The main feature of the lobby is the large curved marble and formica counter which is capable of serving several lines of persons at a time. Walnut paneling, glass partitions, custom-built furnishings and terrazzo floors, with floral arrangements and hand-painted art on the walls are included."

The custom cabinetry, designed and built by Riecke Cabinet Works, remains largely intact. Riecke (established 1905) also built custom furnishings for the National American Bank branch at Lee Circle (razed 2007) and the main court room of the Supreme Court Building in the Civic Center (razed 2008).

[F. Stock; photo: E. Ardoin]

National American Bank (Lee Circle branch) 1952-54, razed 2007

In 1952 the National American Bank of New Orleans (established 1917) announced the selection of Goldstein Parham and Labouisse, architects for the design of a new office on Lee Circle with ample parking and drive-through service. Moise H. Goldstein previously designed the 1929 art deco National American Bank Building at 200 Carondelet which also housed his firm's office.

Boh Brothers were general contractors for the new Lee Circle bank branch and custom cabinetry was provided by Riecke Cabinet Works (established 1905). Riecke also designed and built custom furnishings for the Union Savings and Loan at 353 Carondelet.

The Lee Circle branch of the National American Bank building was razed in 2007. The site remains vacant. [see: demolition photos by Laureen Lentz]

[photo: Moise Goldstein Collection, Southeastern Architectural Archive, Tulane University Libraries]