The Glass Bank
N. Orlando Ave., Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931
The glass bank was once a remarkable building of the space exploration era.
The space age style building was constructed throughout 1961. in April of 1962, the building opened with it’s first tenant, the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cocoa Beach Branch . The building became known as “The Glass Bank”. It was a remarkable futuristic, space age looking building of the space exploration era. It is only fitting that the first penthouse tenant was a restaurant named the Sky Room. It had a skywalk you could step out onto, which wrapped all the way around the exterior, and diners could watch a launch from Cape Canaveral. With no elevator, it was an arduous journey for freight and customers to the penthouse. In 1963, an express elevator was installed outside the exterior of the building.
Ramons Rainbow Room
In 1963, Ramons Rainbow Room, a zenith lounge for the modern times was opened. A place where astronauts, space workers, celebrities, and politicians would eat. It was known for cocktails, good food and jazz music. It was founded by Dan and Allene Holt, owners of an already established Ramons restaurant. It was a popular place with live music and 360 degree views of Cocoa Beach.
By 1970, the once popular restaurant closed it’s doors and the space was briefly occupied as Marby’s Rainbow Room. But the new restaurant closed in 1972 and the bank was left as the only tenant.
The Frank Wolf era
In the 1980s due to the savings and loan crisis, the First Federal Savings and loan closed their doors. In the early 1980s attorney and Cocoa Beach resident, Frank Wolfe purchased the rights to the penthouse space. He reconstructed the whole look of the building by adding a stucco facade covering the corners with concrete giving it a fortress like appearance. The penthouse was expanded to the perimeter of the building and the sky walk was thus removed. Also smaller windows took the place of the floor to ceiling windows. He also constructed a windowless 2 story penthouse on top of the building. This is ironic for a building known as “The Glass Bank.”
The two story penthouse Frank built was his own private retreat, a 1980s style bachelor pad. A reclusive space fit for a wealthy eccentric private man. It was nearly three decades before the public was treated to an inside look.
Entry to the penthouse was gained by the exterior elevator formerly used for Ramon’s Rainbow Room. Exiting the elevator was a nature themed foyer complete with a foot bridge, artificial stream, extravagant fountain and waterfall. The penthouse space was thousands of square feet of lavish living space. The main living area featured a faux-stone mountain, a giant fireplace, Christmas lights, and faux clouds painted on the walls. In the center was a large sunken group of leather sofas around a circular glass table. A large curved bar and a Christmas village displayed in a permanent in wall diorama also occupied the main space. The master bedroom and bath were also elaborate with a clothes closet complete with a motorized rack.
Hurricane Frances in 2004
Fast forward to 2004. Hurricane Frances caused a lot of damage to the area and the glass bank. Frances badly damaged the glass bank, leaving behind broken glass and water damage. At this time, Huntington Bank occupied the lower floor and Nautilus Fitness occupied the upper level. Hurricane damage left the building exposed, introducing mold, mildew and decay and also asbestos had become a hazardous issue. Frank Wolfe remained the only tennant at this point.
By 2013 the building was co-owned by Frank Wolfe and the Glass Bank Condominium Association. The two could not agree on plans to restore the building. By January 2013, the city had imposed fines of $161,000 in city code violations. More fees and repairs brought the tally to over one million dollars. At this point the owners were at an impasse and the city moved to ask for authority to demolish. In January 2014, after Wolf returned to Florida from visiting family in Maine, the utilities had been shut off to the building in preparation for demolition. Frank attempted to retrieve his personal belongings, but was denied access to the penthouse. The electricity was off and the elevator to the top level was inoperable.
On Wednesday, February 4, 2014, Frank Wolfe took his life with a self inflicted gunshot wound outside the building. By April of 2014 the family estate cooperated with the city and struck a deal which granted permission for demolition. The Wolfe estate would be reimbursed for the property value when it sold and the liens would also be resolved. In December of 2015, asbestos was removed and salvageable materials were scrapped. The last of the bank was razed on February 2, 2015.
Photos below were taken by Jason Perrone – Google Certified and Trusted Photographer www.Biz360Tours.com
Today, the building and any remains of the historic Cocoa Beach icon are completely gone.
Click here to see some penthouse interior photos. Imgur
Source information Sometimes-Interesting and Wikipedia
Photo credits:
- Jason Perrone: Google Certified and Trusted Photographer www.Biz360Tours.com
- Glass bank building photo By: Noah Jeppson
- Google Maps
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Adam the Woo gave us a unique secret tour of the Glass Bank Building. Although in one of his daily vlogs he alluded to the fact that he came into legal trouble over his illegal entry into the building. Recently resolving the legal trouble in the spring of 2016.
Check out the Youtube video by Cocoa Beach 365 – Cocoa Beach Glass Bank Demolition Montage Video
