Bank of Pinole
.JPG){kind=link}
Why it's listed
Built in 1915 by Pinole banker Edward M. Downer Sr., this small single-story masonry bank at 2361 San Pablo Avenue is the only Neo Classic building of its kind in the community. Two concrete Ionic columns flank the double-door entry, tall round-headed windows with keystones line the sides, and a dentil course and ornate entablature circle the building. Exterior walls are cavity masonry with scored plaster meant to resemble cut stone. The design uses Golden Section proportions in both plan and front elevation. The bank served as a financial institution until 1939, later housed a youth center from 1964 and a city children's program, and was bought by the Pinole Redevelopment Agency in 1992. The interior was altered over the years, yet the marble floor, wood windows, plaster ceiling and the single continuous banking room survive. At the time of listing it was being remodeled as a restaurant. It was recognized for its architecture at the local level.
Significance in brief: The nomination finds it locally significant under Criterion C in Architecture as a good example of a classically influenced commercial building. It is the only classical-temple-form bank in Pinole, using classical proportions, durable materials and ornament to convey permanence and security.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 96001175, listed October 24, 1996. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 2361 San Pablo Ave., Pinole |
|---|---|
| County | Contra Costa County |
| Listed | October 24, 1996 |
| Reference number | 96001175 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1915 |
| Architect / builder | Unknown |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival (described in the text as Neo Classic) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Under remodeling for use as a restaurant at the time of the nomination; the original marble floor has been exposed and is intact. Owned by the Pinole Redevelopment Agency. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 38.00562, -122.29009 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 96001175.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4856171
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.