End Of An Era: Pasadena's First State Bank Building Demolished

PASADENA, TX — It was the end of an era in Pasadena when the First State Bank Building was imploded and tumbled to the ground on Sunday morning. The bank building, which was erected 55-years ago was a symbol of progress and hope in the early and mid-1960s.

But when it was came down at 7 a.m. on July 21, it was a relic and had long been an eyesore on Pasadena’s landscape.

The building was purchased by the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation in October 2018. To prepare for demolition, city crews worked several months at removing asbestos material for several months to ensure the building could be brought down safely, officials said.

City and emergency management officials cordoned off areas around the building before dawn on Sunday.

Nearly 100 Pasadena residents and city crews sat stationed behind yellow caution tape, staring at the aged monolith against the blue sky.

The city’s Facebook live video captured the anticipated friendly banter of city officials, followed by a countdown that ended with a loud staccato of explosions that could be seen through the plate glass windows of the told building.

Within seconds, the old landmark on Southmore Avenue and Pasadena Boulevard collapsed in on itself, riding the final volley of explosions into a pile of steel and concrete. It was finished.

Some cheered and clapped as the dust and smoke spread over several city blocks, while others took to social media to share their thoughts on the demise of the old building. City officials have not revealed if there are any plans to build on the now-former site.

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