Architects: Curlett & Beelman with W. Horace Austin
The Farmers & Merchants office tower was a later addition to the bank building that was constructed in 1923 as headquarters for Long Beach's venerable financial institution. Architecturally, the buildings are outstanding examples of Italian Renaissance Revival classicism with richly detailed terra cotta cladding. The bank with its perfectly preserved vintage banking hall, is not designated as a historic landmark; the tower and bank are owned separately.
The Farmers & Merchants Bank has been on the corner of 3rd and Pine since 1899. It is the headquarters for the oldest locally-based banking chain which was founded by and is still operated by the Walker family. The building was designed in the Beaux Arts classical style by architects Aleck Curlett and Claude Beelman with construction by Long Beach architect Horace Austin. The terra cotta facade is richly detailed with Greek Revival motifs. The bronze mullions and transoms of the windows provide a subtle color shift, complementing the character of the main banking lobby and forming a two part complex of the exceptional unity. Its historic interior remains intact, complete with the original teller cages and hardware.