Among architecture nerds, Alma, Georgia, is a must-stop for seeing the Mid-Century Modern bank, the Pineland Bank, formerly the Alma Exchange Bank. Founded on June 14, 1927, the Alma Exchange filled a critical need for the town of Alma, an acronym for Augusta, Louisville, Milledgeville, and Atlanta, Georgia’s capital cities. Many banks failed in early 1827 and Alma was one of the towns that lost their banking system.

On April 25, 1966, the current structure opened for business. It was the brainchild of the bank president, Mr. Valene Bennett, who was inspired by the futuristic architecture that he saw on a family trip to the World’s Fair in 1964.

The bank was fully restored in 2020 after Bennett’s sons, Paul and Lawrence, felt it was important to restore it to its former self. The Pineland Bank is now open in the space, and they keep the drive-thru open.