Even though the exterior graffiti had been roughly covered up on the once proud art deco Commonwealth Bank building,above, at the corner of Bennett and Smith Streets, US President Barack Obama may have thought it was a reminder of our Pearl Harbour when he drove by on his short visit.
Bombed by the Japanese , the building was repaired and for many years regarded as a fine example of Darwin’s tropical architecture-along with the Hotel Darwin , known as the Duchess of Darwin , it sadly flattened by developers during the night , despite community attempts to prevent the demolition .
A panoramic view of the Commonwealth Bank featured in the 1970s Department of the Interior publication , DARWIN...A WAY OF LIFE, showing mini- skirted girls, palms and a Mini-Moke outside the impressive building. Taken by Matt Kent, the above photo of President Obama’s motorcade passing the forlorn former bank building, ear-marked for re-development, shows signs of wear and tear, covered up graffiti patches , a decapitated palm tree. Below : The bank in the 1960s when it was a busy part of the CBD, much admired and photographed by tourists .
