Hicks said he did not know why the decision was made to build such a bank.

“I think the idea was just to build something unique, iconic, and they certainly accomplished that purpose,” he said. “You can’t go anywhere in the state of Texas and find someone who has driven I-35 who does not recognize it.”

Carla Pendergraft, who markets the Waco Convention Center, said she accompanied Redford on his visit to the bank and watched him repeat the shooting of a scene several times, savoring each take.

“Sometimes he would ring a little bell on the counter, sometimes not. Each time he did it a little differently,” Pendergraft said. “Occasionally, his stand-in would make an appearance, wearing the same hat Robert Redford wore in the movie. Redford would sit in one of the executive’s office, reading the newspaper.”

She said she will miss the “round bank.”