The former Virginia Avenue State Bank building is a rare example of a glazed terra cotta commercial building in the district. It was built in 1924 in affiliation with the Continental National Bank of Indianapolis. As reported by the Indianapolis News in 1926, “The new bank will be situated halfway between Fountain Square and the heart of the city. Officers and directors are to be chosen from among the businessmen of the community.” The building features a beautiful blue and white tiled frieze, or a decorative horizontal band, along with steel windows and an interior finished in mahogany. The original bank vault is still inside – have you seen it? 

Fermor Cannon designed the building; the architect also designed the Excelsior Laundry Company building, the Belmont State Bank (at West Washington Street and Belmont Avenue), the Woodruff Place Baptist Church, and the wrought iron gates at the Oldfields Estate. Fermor Cannon would then go on to become the Vice President of the Railroad Men’s Building and Savings Association in 1930. A few years later he would become the President of the Railroadmen’s Federal Savings & Loan Association and was elected to the board of directors of the Indiana National Bank. 

The Virginia Avenue State Bank occupied the space from 1925 until 1933. The building then became a termite control business in the 1940s-1950s. After that, Harry S. Teitel, local film projectionist, used the space as his motion picture film service, a cleaning and restoration workshop for 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm films. In the 1970s, the Southeast Health Center occupied the space. The following decade, a coin and stamp shop was located in the former bank. In recent years, the building has been repurposed into restaurants. 

The bank building illustrated in 1956.
Credit: 1956 Sanborn Map, Indianapolis Sanborn Map and Baist Atlas Collection, University Library.

Harry S. Teitel, projectionist and film restorer, in action.
Credit: Arch Steinel, “If Will Hays Wants Cleanup in Films, City Man Can Do It,” Indianapolis Times, April 12, 1932.

Portrait of Fermor Cannon, architect, from his obituary.
Credit: “Fermor S. Cannon, Railroadmen’s Head,” Indianapolis News, December 12, 1973, 

“Premier Stamp & Coin Company (Former Virginia Avenue State Bank), 630 Virginia Ave.,” Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission, Herron School of Art Library, circa 1980s.