Evolution of the Bank
UCSB Yearbook, 1967
The original Bank of America in Isla Vista was located at 976 Embarcadero del Mar and first opened its doors to the public on February 11, 1963. An announcement posted in the student-run press, El Gaucho, highlighted the new Isla Vista branch’s seven teller stations, air conditioning, and free parking.
C. Ray Varley Papers, 1970
In 1967, the Bank of America branch relocated to a larger location, at 935 Embarcadero del Norte. This was the site of the burning which ensued throughout the late hours of February 25th. On February 26, 1970, the Bank of America structure was absolutely destroyed from a riot known as ‘I.V. I.’
C. Ray Varley Papers, 1970
After the burning, an installment of a new temporary structure opened on March 11, 1970. A second riot, known as ‘I.V. II,’ occurred on April 17, 1970. UCSB student, Kevin Moran, was trying to stop the burning of the temporary structure. Unfortunately, he was shot and killed by Santa Barbara City policeman, David Gosselin.
“Embarcadero Hall, in some sense, is a delayed victory for the student spirit of that [1969-70] period because, instead of a bank, we have a learning space.” - Richard Flacks
Emily Nguyen, 2019
The fourth Bank of America building, located at 935 Embarcadero del Norte, was used as a branch until about 1981 when the bank officially closed its doors. The fourth Bank of America building is now home to Embarcadero Hall. A source from the UCSB/IV Walking Tour stated, “Some say the bunker-like rebuilt structure now housing Embarcadero Hall was based on a design used by Bank of America for their Saigon, Vietnam branch, intended to survive in a war zone.”