[5] In 1928 Consolidated National set out to build Tucson's first skyscraper, which opened in 1929 for the then-staggering cost of $1 million.

It opened with 3,000 safety deposit boxes, a testament to the expense of the building and the increasing wealth of Tucsonans.

[5] The Valley National Bank Building's design is considered a very late example of influences from the 1893 Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago.

Further adding to this influence are the interior decorations and murals, such as a floral motif in the bank branch which depicted America as the "New Eden", small murals on the ceiling of the lobby depicting manifest destiny painted by Anthony Heinsbergen, a muralist from Los Angeles.

The roof overhang includes sections featuring a black-and-red geometric motif inspired by Southwest Native American design.

A geometric neoclassical motif adorns the ceiling murals and beams, colored in red, rose, green, blue and solid gold leaf.