SAN JOSE — A wide-ranging revamp of the historic Bank of Italy tower in downtown San Jose is headed for its next key stages that include restoration of the building’s exterior.
Canada-based Westbank, the primary owner of the 14-story tower at 12 South First St., intends to transform the building, a longtime office structure, into an apartment high-rise.
“The Bank of Italy is a gem in downtown San Jose that has needed a lot of tender loving care for some time,” said Bob Staedler, principal executive with Silicon Valley Synergy, a land-use consultancy.
Work to convert offices to apartments has been underway for several months inside the historic building that was completed in 1926, sources familiar with the renovation said.
The Bank of Italy tower is expected to contain 115 apartments once work is done, according to the sources…