Old Stone Bank, Providence

Old Stone Bank is a granite former banking hall, built in 1854 and enlarged in 1898. Its Corinthian portico, triangular pediment, and copper dome with gold-leaf details were designed to suggest strength and financial security. Inside, customers entered through a tawny-marble oval vestibule into a circular banking room. Above the central counter, a “mini-Pantheon” dome has a green-and-gold geometric lattice whose shrinking shapes create an illusion of greater height.

Founded in 1819 as the Providence Institution for Savings, the bank later mixed formal architecture with playful advertising. In the 1970s, Fred Flintstone became its mascot and appeared in commercials saying, “Yabba-dabba-doo, love that Old Stone Bank!” Its cash machines were called “Ready Freddy.” The institution failed in 1993 after disputes over federal assistance agreements during the savings-and-loan crisis. Its estate later received $74.5 million in breach-of-contract damages.

Brown University acquired the building for a proposed anthropology museum but abandoned the plan because the climate control, lighting, and structural changes would damage the open historic hall. Preservationist and entrepreneur Barrett Bready later purchased it. The building was converted into a private home and sculpture gallery; tourists can generally view only the exterior.