In the spring of 2008, architect Frank Henry and sculptor John Waddell reunited in Cornville, Arizona to tour Waddell’s home, studio, and grounds, and to reminisce about the project they worked on together in the early 1960s… the 101st branch of Valley National Bank at 44th St. and Camelback Rd.  In addition, they outlined their ideas for creating a more formal sculpture garden on the bank property as envisioned by former VNB President/CEO Walter Bimson.  [Videography: Eric George, 57 Media, Phoenix, AZ]

Computer animation of the proposed Bimson Memorial Park at 44th Street and Camelback Road in Phoenix, AZ.  The animation was designed in March 2009 by Frank Henry with graphics by Ebbie Azimi. Mr. Henry was the original architect of the 101st branch bank of Valley National Bank (now Chase Bank) adjacent to the open space.  He and noted Arizona sculptor John Waddell are collaborating on re-creating VNB President/CEO Walter Bimson’s original vision for the open space.

Photographers flock to 44th St. & Camelback Rd. to take shots of the former Valley National Bank (now Chase Bank) branch.   In addition to the photo taken above, enjoy others by dbostrom on Flickr.

[Source: Modern Phoenix Neighborhood Network]

Come meet “The Friends of Bimson Park” to learn about the plans for the park, and meet architect Frank Henry as well.  The bank won’t be open for the day but you’ll have plenty of time to photograph the exterior.  This landmark building and site is a must-see for all out-of-towners!

Red Modern Furniture at 2nd St. and Camelback will still serve as the central check-in station, so you can start wherever is convenient. Tickets now on sale for all Modern Phoenix Week Events at 480-994-ARTS [2787] 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.  Press 2 for the box office.

Phoenix experienced unprecedented growth just after the Second World War.  With this growth came new architecture in the form of offices, banks, stores and government buildings, to name a few.  These buildings are disappearing from the landscape.

The Phoenix Historic Preservation Office is embarking on a survey and designation project of postwar architecture.  The project will document the best examples of the period and bring attention to their significance.

Eligible buildings will be placed on the Phoenix Historic Property Register and the National Register of Historic Places.  The Historic Buildings Photography Project, completed by Phoenix Office of Arts & Culture in cooperation with the Phoenix Historic Preservation Office, presents a selection of 25 buildings and sites that represent Phoenix’s postwar architectural heritage.  To download the Mid-Century Marvel brochure, click here.

Click on the plus, minus, or arrow keys to move around the map.  Click on any of the blue markers for more information about each Mid-Century Marvel.  Click on “View Larger Map” to, you guessed it, view a larger scale map.

Fountain at former Valley National Bank (now Chase Bank) at 44th & Camelback (Photo: Walt Lockley)

Click here to hear KJZZ “Here and Now” reporter Rene Gutel’s June 22, 2007 interview with architectural critic Walt Lockley on the importance of banker Walter Bimson and the “mushroom” bank at 44th and Camelback to the history of post-World War II Phoenix.