Banco Occidental de México
The Banco Occidental de México was one of the most beautiful buildings in Mazatlán and served as the financial center for the substantial capital flow in the port. It was constructed in 1907, a period when the Porfiriato era was at its peak, characterized by a strong French influence in various aspects of Mexican society. Phrases spoken in French with refinement were synonymous with good taste and elegance in households and sophisticated social gatherings
The building was a cornerstone of the port's financial life, as it saw the passage of substantial fortunes from merchants and miners.
Its dome, covered in green slate and crowned with wrought iron and a flagpole, was a defining feature of its French style, setting it apart from other structures on the Main Street, now Belisario Domínguez. Its walls featured a cushioned design commonly seen in the Historic Center of Paris. On the first floor facing Belisario Domínguez Street, a series of windows adorned and illuminated the interior, topped with barrel arches and ironwork crafted at the Sinaloa Foundry, which received catalogs from France. Inspired by these catalogs, they created molds used to produce iron pieces for windows, balconies, balustrades, and structures used in Mazatlán's architectural works.
El edificio fue pieza clave de la vida financiera del puerto. Por ahí pasaron muchas fortunas de comerciantes y mineros que activaban la vida en Mazatlán con sus capitales.
The building played a pivotal role in the port's financial life, witnessing the passage of significant fortunes from merchants and miners that stimulated Mazatlán's vitality with their capital. Financing from the bank enabled them to diversify their businesses into footwear, beer, textiles, wagons, matches, brooms, and tobacco, filling late 19th-century Mazatlán with factories.
The building played a pivotal role in the port's financial life, witnessing the passage of significant fortunes from merchants and miners that stimulated Mazatlán's vitality with their capital. Financing from the bank enabled them to diversify their businesses into footwear, beer, textiles, wagons, matches, brooms, and tobacco, filling late 19th-century Mazatlán with factories.
On the upper floor, the bank’s directors resided.
Vast fortunes were amassed within this banking institution, which issued its own currency. Directors of the bank who lived on the top floor included Alejandro Valdés Flaquer, Federico Goodchild, Tomas de Rueda Valparda, Roberto Valadés, and Héctor Escutia. Considered the most beautiful building in Mazatlán, it remains so only in the memories of those who saw it standing until 1965, the year it was demolished by Mario Arturo Huerta.
Did you know?
The Occidental Bank of Mexico used to issue its own currency, which featured various scenes of old Mazatlán.
📍 Location
Belisario Domínguez Street No.1500, Downtown, 82000 Mazatlán, Sinaloa.
