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A photo of the Bank of California Building on its opening day in 1925 tells a story of the era.

A well-dressed bank manager, kerchief in his breast pocket, stands in the middle of a large, marbled and mausoleum-like lobby. Men in white shirts and ties stand behind caged, teller windows, and bob-haired women in shin-high, fringed dresses look on from a rear doorway.

Today, the building, at 330 S.W. Sixth Ave., still is held in high regard. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and on its nomination form it was described as 鈥渙ne of the most elegant buildings in the metropolitan area of Portland.鈥� Now, the three-story structure is available for lease.

It was one of the last buildings designed by noted architect A.E. Doyle, who died in 1928. Doyle designed many downtown Portland buildings, including the Benson Hotel, Meier & Frank Building, the U.S. Bank Building and early buildings at Reed College.

The Bank of California Building features Italian-Renaissance Palazzo style, which was popular in the 1920s. Two sister buildings are the 10-story Pacific Building, at 520 S.W. Yamhill St., and the Public Service Building, at 1120 S.W. Fifth Ave.

Banks and investment companies have occupied the Bank of California Building over the years. Presently, Picoco LLC, based in Newport Beach, Calif., is leasing the building. Company representatives did not return calls seeking comment.

Block by Block is a weekly look at commercial real estate around Portland. Send suggestions for properties to [email protected].