"The First National Bank (1932) was designed by local architect Richard Metzger and reflects Art Deco influence. At its height from 1925 to 1940, Art Deco was one of the first “forward-looking” styles to become popular. Rather than drawing on historical styles for design details, it stressed the modern, reflecting the rapid technological changes in building materials. Details tended to be minimal, angular, and constructed of high-quality material. Here, streamlined columns flank the main entrance, which is topped by stylized eagles. The bottom floors have a veneer of Indiana limestone and polished granite. Inside the vestibule is a large bronze entrance door. The stairway has white and brown marble banding and patterned terrazzo floors inlaid with brass strips." 

Historic Ithaca, DeWitt Park Historic District and Downtown Ithaca: An Architectural Walking Tour, 26.