Laserfiche WebLink
Alpha Reference: C <br />Historic Name: San Mateo County Building & Loan Association <br />Address: 2022-2024 Broadway <br />Construction Date: 1928 <br />Parcel#: 052-374-100 <br />The well-kept San Mateo County Savings and Loan Building is of a type called a <br />two-part commercial block by architectural historian Richard Longstreth. Here, <br />first floor retail space is clearly defined from the more private offices on the <br />second floor. The building has a tidy appearance with classical features, such as <br />its symmetrical elevation, pilasters, capitals, and ornamental bands, that <br />suggested stability and establishment to turn-of-the-century audiences. The <br />building is not a spectacular specimen of early 1900s Neo-Classicism in itself; its <br />facade, however, echoes the rhythms and details of its neighbors. This is seen <br />well at the cornice line, which reflects that of Young's Drug Store next door. The <br />building functions well as a part of a larger ensemble of historic buildings <br />comprising the heart of old Redwood City. This historic core should attract further <br />renovation efforts, and catalyze increased vitality for the central business district. <br />The building at 2022-2024 Broadway is a two story Neo-Classical commercial <br />block set in the heart of Redwood City's central business district. Central doors <br />and new tinted windows have been added. Four colossal pilasters rising on <br />molded bases demarcate the facade into thirds. These pilasters have simplified <br />Corinthian capitals. The center section possesses two pairs of glazed wood <br />doors and a transom composed of two awning windows. Above the transom a <br />decorative frieze separates the first and second floors. An inscription on the <br />frieze reads, "San Mateo Co. Loan Assoc. Building." Above the frieze are a pair <br />of new awning windows with transoms. <br />On either side of the central section are pairs of glazed wood doors with awning <br />clerestory windows. Friezes above the transoms are decorated with terra cotta <br />griffins. Single awning windows with transoms illuminate the second floors of <br />both side sections. An elaborate multicolor cornice with circular ornaments, a <br />classical dentil band, molded bases, and many molded layers decorates the <br />parapet of the building. <br />This was originally the home of the San Mateo County Building and Loan <br />Association, which remained there until the 1960's. The Building and Loan <br />Association was organized in 1890 and one of the safe's they used in the early <br />1900's is still located in the building. <br />Sources: <br />Page 24 <br />7.B. - Page 35