Utah Bank Uses Stone for Historic Re-Design

PROVO, Utah – An upgrade to Central Bank of Utah’s headquarters here fit into the classic Western period architecture of its neighborhood – thanks to stone from the Indiana Limestone Company (ILCO).

Click photo to enlargeThe project included the demolition of three storefront properties owned by Central Bank to add an additional 9,156 ft² to the existing office on Provo’s University Avenue. It includes a handsome 65’ tall limestone tower on the corner at one of the city’s major intersections.

Ken Harris of Harris Architecture in Provo redesigned the historic structure with a mandate to reflect and complement the historic fabric of buildings in the city’s downtown. Because of the bank’s high visibility in the district, he intended to make a significant architectural statement; Harris designed the tower to relate to existing towers in the area.

“Indiana Limestone was selected because it reflects the values of permanence, timelessness and a strong commitment to valued customers,” said Lynn LeMone, Harris Architecture associate. “Indiana Limestone is a highly durable and long-lasting material, virtually maintenance-free. These are the qualities of Central Bank as it looks toward its future.”

“We wanted a real stone product,” Central Bank spokesperson Diana Mathis said. “It is timeless and it went with the original design of downtown Provo. The Indiana limestone added a lot of character to the red brick parts of the structure. As it was Central Bank’s flagship, we wanted it to be unique.”

Central Bank has operated in downtown Provo since 1906. “This represents many decades of investment by Central Bank in our community. They have consistently been a partner in the success of Provo’s businesses, investors and home owners,” said Provo City Mayor John Curtis.

Stone for the project was cut by M.J. Wiltbank at Artistic Stone Masonry in Linden, Utah, and installed by Child Enterprises of Springville, Utah. Project engineer was George Jacklin of Dynamic Structures in Provo.

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