The Bank Triangle in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, located at the intersection of Market and Franklin Streets, has historically served as the city’s financial nucleus. This area is home to several architecturally significant buildings that reflect the early 20th-century “City Beautiful” movement, emphasizing grandeur and classical design.
Wyoming National Bank Building (1914): This Neoclassical structure, completed in 1914, is noted for its modest scale yet majestic design. The building features a Doric-style frieze below the roofline adorned with metopes and circular reliefs, a parapet inscribed with the bank’s name, and a prominent arched window flanked by engaged Doric columns. Currently, the building houses a commercial space on the ground floor and residential apartments above.
Citizens Bank Financial Center (1911): Designed by renowned architect Daniel Hudson Burnham, this 13-story building exemplifies early skyscraper design. Its “H” shape includes a recess, and the façade is adorned with lion head friezes and intricate embellishments. A notable feature is the illuminated sign atop the building, first installed in 1912, which remains a distinctive element of Wilkes-Barre’s skyline.
PNC Bank Building (1908): Constructed in 1908, this building contributes to the architectural cohesion of the Bank Triangle. Its design reflects the classical influences prevalent during the era, aligning with the aesthetic principles of the City Beautiful movement.
Collectively, these structures not only symbolize Wilkes-Barre’s historical financial prominence but also stand as enduring examples of early 20th-century architectural movements aimed at beautifying urban landscapes through classical design elements.
