Meridian Bank Tower

The Meridian Bank Tower is a high-rise building in Phoenix, Arizona. It is an office building designed in international style and constructed between 1959 and 1960 for developer David H. Murdock. Upon completion, it became the city's tallest building, taking that 31 year distinction away from the Westward Ho which opened in 1929. The Phoenix Corporate Center, a 26-story office building, was completed just a few years later in 1965 claiming the title as the city's tallest building. There is a 20 feet by 20 feet sign on the north and south sides with a Meridian Bank logo. The exterior was remodeled in the late 1980s which substantially changed the building's appearance.

Original plans called for an 11-story office building called the 3550 Building. Although the property was only zoned for a 4-story structure city planners approved the plans. Murdock later decided to build higher and he proposed an 18-story tower that would be the city's tallest. Plans were finalized and approved during January 1959, and groundbreaking ceremonies were held on February 13, 1959. The actual excavation began February 16, 1959. A 3,000 pounds , 10 feet tall, 5 feet wide, 4 feet thick cake replicating the building's design was presented at the groundbreaking ceremony and Murdock used a silver-plated shovel to cut the first piece of cake.

Wikipedia