Around town, there are dozens of buildings that have become favorites of ours over the years. One such structure can be found at the northeast corner of 7th & Fitzwater.

The building

Today, its home to Bella Organic Cleaners. But when it was first built in 1893, it was home to the Bank of Italy, according to the Preservation Alliance.

Back when it was a bank

There's so much to love about this building, which was designed by Watson & Huckel. The most unusual architectural detail is the clock that sits on the top of the building, which still seems to work. The cornice is not only fully intact, but it's one of the largest and most ornate in the neighborhood. The bays are traditional for the area, and make us wish that every new home had bay windows that replicated them. And finally, the stone entryway to the cleaners truly marks it as a building of substance.

The clock

Bay plus cornice

The storefront

What are some of your favorite buildings in town? Send us suggestions, and we'll snap some photos and write 'em up!