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Republic National Bank Building
Address: 300 North Ervay Street
Architect: Harrison & Abramovitz (NY) and Gill & Harrell
Year Built: 1955
This 36-story building was the headquarters for the Republic National Bank. Republic National started as the Guaranty Bank & Trust in 1920. This was the second building in the United States with aluminum siding, with most of the façade made of 1/4" aluminum panels. The interior had a marble and teakwood finish, and gold leaf railings in the lobby. The "rocket ship" tower, when illuminated, was visible for 120 miles. The opening party for the building was held at Fair Park, where over 4,500 guests were treated to dinner and entertainment provided by Bob Hope.
Additions were built in 1964 (Tower 2, Harrell & Hamilton) and 1978 (Tower 3, Omniplan). The building has remained relatively unchanged over last 50 years, and in 2000, the rocket sculpture was lit again for the first time in 20 years. Gables Residential purchased the building and began renovation in late 2005, converting the interior into 225 luxury apartments designed by RKTL Architects. Gables Republic Tower officially opened in 2007. The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
For More Information:
- Online:
- Gables Republic Tower website
- The Handbook of Texas Online: "Republic Bank"
- Texas Historic Sites Atlas
- Resources at the Dallas Public Library, 7th Floor:
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Vertical Files:
- Banks & Banking -- Republic National
- Buildings -- Republic Bank
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Books:
- Republic National Bank Annual Report. 1947-1981, various years. [332.1 R426A]
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Articles:
- Dallas Morning News December 1, 1954, section 4, pp. 1-24 (special section)
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Photographs:
- Please contact department to view additional photographs.
1515 Young St | 7th Floor | Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-670-1435
Dallas Public Library Homepage
Last revised on December 14, 2007