Citizens Bank Financial Center
Citizens Bank Financial Center is an architectural landmark in downtown Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States. It was designed by the architect D.H. Burnham and completed in 1911.[1] An illuminated sign has sat atop the building since 1912.
Description
[edit | edit source]Building architecture
[edit | edit source]The building is 13 stories high (the top story was added in 1926) and rises to a height of 170 feet (52 m).[1] It was built as the headquarters for the Miner's National Bank, and over the years has had a number of owners, including the United Penn Bank and Mellon Bank.[1] The building features a recess, giving it an "H" shape. Atop the second floor, a sculpture of a nesting eagle and a flag pole can be seen from the Franklin Street side of the building. A frieze at the top of the building is decorated with lion heads and a number of interesting embellishments can be seen climbing the façade.
Signage
[edit | edit source]In 1912, an illuminated sign was placed atop the building by the Miners National Bank. The building's subsequent owners have allowed the sign to remain, and as of 2018[update],[2] the green Citizens Bank sign sits at more than 200 feet (61 m) above street level. In 2013, Citizens Bank moved from the building after more than a decade, and while the building now houses offices and apartments, the Citizens Bank sign remains.[2]