Santander Bank
The Santander Bank building, better known as the Old Bank (Martino: Banco Viejo), is located in the heart of the Banking District of Cárdenas, the Capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie, and stands as one of the city's most iconic monumental landmarks. The neo-Genevan complex is celebrated for its grandeur, symmetry, and ornate stonework. The building’s design reflects the financial confidence and architectural ambition of Empire of Alexandria, embodying the ideals of stability, prestige, and enduring strength that banks sought to project during that era.
Since 1696 AN, it has been in the ownership of the Banque Nationale de Nouvelle Alexandrie, the largest retail bank in Nouvelle Alexandrie, as the headquarters of its Santander regional division.
History
The Old Bank was constructed around 1520 AN to serve as the very heart of Banking in Santander, and the financial headquarters of the city's financial district. Its location in the center of the city, and its survival over the decades, made it a focal point for both economic and social activity during the development of the Cárdenas Plan. The wish to retain the banking functions of the monumental building lend it credibility during the development of the Banking District. It was completely rebuilt and modernized in 1686 AN, as one of the cornerstones of the Banking District that bears its name.
The Neo-Genevan style was deliberately restored and updated to convey a sense of permanence and trustworthiness. Over the decades, the building has retained its significance, both as a financial institution and as an architectural icon.
Layout
Exterior
The Old Bank Building boasts a Neo-Genevan façade, designed to evoke a sense of grandeur, stability, and timelessness. The façade is symmetrical, with a central entrance flanked by two identical wings. The entrance is framed by four towering Corinthian columns, each adorned with intricate acanthus leaf capitals. These columns support a triangular pediment, which is decorated with a bas-relief sculpture depicting allegorical figures representing commerce, prosperity, and justice. The roof is flat, with a cornice running along the top edge of the façade. The cornice is adorned with dentil molding, a series of small, tooth-like blocks that add texture and depth to the roofline.
The windows are tall and arched, framed by ornate moldings and divided into smaller panes by thin mullions. The second floor features a series of balustrades beneath the windows, adding to the building’s classical aesthetic. The main entrance is accessed via a grand staircase leading to a set of bronze double doors, each embossed with the bank’s emblem and surrounded by decorative stone carvings. Above the doors, a semi-circular fanlight allows natural light to filter into the entrance hall.
The Old Bank is surrounded by the epynomous Plaza de Banco, lined with ornamental lampposts and benches, creating a welcoming public space.
Interior
The interior of the building is divided into a large entrance hall and two upper floors. The grand lobby features a spacious, double-height lobby flooded with natural light from a large skylight in the ceiling. The floor is laid with marble tiles in a geometric pattern, while the walls are lined with polished granite and wood paneling. The ceiling features a coffered design, with recessed panels adorned with gold leaf accents and plaster rosettes. A grand chandelier, crafted from bronze and crystal, hangs from the center of the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the lobby.
Along the back wall of the lobby, a series of wooden teller counters stretch across the space. Each counter is topped with green marble and separated by fluted columns, creating individual stations for bank transactions.
A sweeping marble staircase with a wrought-iron balustrade leads to the upper floors. The staircase splits into two directions at a landing, where a large stained-glass window depicts scenes of trade and commerce.
The second floor is dedicated to the offices of the Bank's employees and board of directors. Smaller offices for bank staff are located along the perimeter of the floor, each with wooden desks, filing cabinets, and large windows for natural light. In the center is the large boardroom, with a long mahogany table surrounded by leather chairs. The walls are lined with bookshelves and portraits of past bank presidents, while a fireplace adds warmth to the space. At the very back are the private offices of the bank's directors. These rooms feature high ceilings, ornate plaster cornices, and large windows overlooking the plaza. A small balcony overlooks the lobby, allowing staff to address visitors or observe activity below.
The third floor is dedicated to the bank’s archives and vaults. The main vault is a heavily reinforced room with a massive steel door and combination lock. Inside, shelves and safety deposit boxes line the walls, storing valuable documents and assets.
Small rooms behind the teller counters hosts the building's heating and electrical systems, as well as storage areas. A break room and locker area are provided for bank employees, along with a small kitchen for preparing meals.
Transport
The building is serviced by the Eponymous Metro/Tram stop Banco Viejo, which is a major transit hub. The underground station has two side platforms, and services Line E. It is located underneath Plaza de Banco. The tram station has two side platforms, and are serviced by lines T3 and T4, and is located in front of the Bank on Plaza de Banco.
The Bank is fronted by the aptly-named west-east Avenida de Banco Viejo.
