BofA

633 Santa Cruz Avenue

The Menlo Park branch of the Bank of America opened in February of 1937. It was originally located at 1165 El Camino Real, which today is used by Studio 1 of the Menlo Park Academy of Dance. The first manager was Larry Johnston. In 1950 the bank moved to larger quarters at 639 Santa Cruz Avenue (where the Left Bank Brasserie (635) is now) with Johnston still the manager. In April 1961, Johnston became Vice President and Public Relations Officer and E.J. Sullivan took over as manager. In the '60s, a new building was constructed across Doyle where Safeway and a parking lot had been. Bank of America moved there (633) in 1968.

Larry Johnston retired in 1967, and soon thereafter he accepted the position of Historian for the City of Menlo Park.

Ref: [Centennial, pp. 26, 81]

Note on the 2nd BofA building. This building on the SE corner of Doyle and Santa Cruz Avenue, was apparently first occupied by BofA. After BofA moved out, it was converted into a theater (Menlo Theater). Later the Yung Ying Chinese Restaurant next door (where Harvest Furniture is now) acquired the building (about 1990?), gutted it, and then constructed an elaborate Chinese restaurant, retaining their old space for take out. After the Yung Ying family retired and left the restaurant business, the building was once again renovated and was reborn as today's Left Bank Brasserie.

Last updated: 27 July 2015