Bank of Napa
Also known as: Bank of America
Why it's listed
Occupying a full city block frontage in downtown Napa, this bank building combines two architectural eras. The original two-story reinforced concrete section, completed in 1923, follows Classical Revival design with six engaged Doric columns, a dentiled cornice, a pedimented entrance and a false balustrade in bas-relief. Inside, a large banking hall has marble wainscoting and a sculpted plaster ceiling. In 1934 a shorter two-story Art Deco annex was added on the west side, with zigzag and geometric ornament, ribbon windows, a tile base and a door frame topped by a stylized eagle. The nomination presents the building as a rare local example of both styles and notes that no other Napa building shows both. It argues that the contrast between the two sections reflects a change in taste from the 1920s to the Depression years. The building remains in good condition and still serves as a bank despite window and interior changes.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is a rare surviving example of both Classical Revival and Art Deco architecture, and that Napa has no other building showing both styles. Together the two sections illustrate the shift in architectural taste between the mid-1920s and mid-1930s. The original section is nearly unaltered and the annex retains its integrity despite altered storefronts.
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 92000785, listed June 18, 1992. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 903 Main St. and 908 Brown St., Napa |
|---|---|
| County | Napa County |
| Listed | June 18, 1992 |
| Reference number | 92000785 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1923, 1934 |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals: Classical Revival; Modern Movement: Art Deco |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in very good condition and still in use as a financial institution; some interior and exterior alterations have occurred. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 38.29922, -122.28587 (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 92000785.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q65059713
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.