First Citizens, established in 1913, has its roots in the south, specifically Georgia and South Carolina. We’ve been watching the construction of their newest branch in Irving Park, just north of downtown. We first posted a picture of early construction back in July and have been back to check the progress several times. As a matter of fact, while photographing the site last week, we spotted someone climbing the stairs, visible through the metal ribcage of the structure.  Most recently, the yellow insulation was installed and, as seen above, it is as brilliant as a poplar or birch tree’s golden leaves on a bright fall day.

First Citizens will be competing with the red and gold Wells Fargo stagecoach bank that bought Charlotte-based Wachovia in 2008 and retired all signs of Wachovia on October 15, 2011. We’re anxious to see what the First Citizens building will look like upon completion; however, this canary yellow shell against the Carolina blue sky will be hard to top.