National Farmers' Bank of Owatonna

National Farmers' Bank of Owatonna
source
Name	National Farmers' Bank of Owatonna
Location	Owatonna, Minnesota, United States
Architect	Louis Sullivan, George Elmslie
Client	National Farmers' Bank
Completion	1908

National Farmers' Bank of Owatonna is a historic bank building located in Owatonna, Minnesota, designed by renowned architects Louis Sullivan and George Elmslie for the National Farmers' Bank. The building is considered one of the most important works of Prairie School architecture, showcasing the unique style of Sullivan and Elmslie, who also designed other notable buildings such as the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, and the Museum of Science and Industry in Jackson Park, Chicago. The bank was constructed during a period of significant growth in Owatonna, Minnesota, with the help of local contractors and Owatonna Chamber of Commerce. The building's design was influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Adler & Sullivan, and the World's Columbian Exposition.

● History

The history of the National Farmers' Bank of Owatonna dates back to 1907, when the National Farmers' Bank decided to construct a new building in Owatonna, Minnesota. The bank hired Louis Sullivan and George Elmslie to design the building, which was completed in 1908. During its early years, the bank served the local farming community, providing financial services to farmers and ranchers in Steele County, Minnesota. The bank's design was widely praised by architects and critics, including Frank Lloyd Wright, who considered it one of the most important works of Prairie School architecture. The building has also been associated with other notable architects, such as Daniel Burnham, John Root, and Charles B. Atwood, who designed the Reliance Building in Chicago, Illinois.

● Architecture

The architecture of the National Farmers' Bank of Owatonna is characterized by its unique blend of Prairie School and Art Nouveau styles, featuring a combination of brick, stone, and stainless steel materials. The building's design was influenced by the works of Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and George Elmslie, who were all associated with the Prairie School movement. The building's facade features a distinctive oriel window and a clock tower, which was designed by Sullivan and Elmslie. The interior of the building features a large banking hall with a skylight and a mezzanine level, which was designed by Sullivan and Elmslie in collaboration with Adler & Sullivan. The building's design has been compared to other notable works of Prairie School architecture, such as the Robie House in Chicago, Illinois, and the Westcott House in Springfield, Ohio.

● Preservation

The National Farmers' Bank of Owatonna was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1976. The building has undergone several restoration projects, including a major renovation in the 1970s, which was led by the National Park Service and the Minnesota Historical Society. The building is currently owned by the Wells Fargo bank, which has continued to maintain and restore the building's historic features. The building has also been recognized by the American Institute of Architects, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Preservation League of New York State.

● Significance

The National Farmers' Bank of Owatonna is considered one of the most significant works of Prairie School architecture in the United States, and is widely regarded as one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. The building's design has influenced generations of architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier. The building has also been recognized for its historical significance, having served as a bank and a community center for the people of Owatonna, Minnesota. The building has been associated with other notable historic buildings, such as the Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois, and the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, New York.

● Building Details

The National Farmers' Bank of Owatonna is a two-story building with a basement level, featuring a combination of brick, stone, and stainless steel materials. The building's facade is adorned with a distinctive oriel window and a clock tower, which was designed by Sullivan and Elmslie. The interior of the building features a large banking hall with a skylight and a mezzanine level, which was designed by Sullivan and Elmslie in collaboration with Adler & Sullivan. The building's design has been compared to other notable works of Prairie School architecture, such as the Martin House in Buffalo, New York, and the Coonley House in Riverside, Illinois. The building is currently used as a bank and a community center, and is open to the public for tours and events, which are organized by the Owatonna Historical Society and the Steele County Historical Society.

Category:Bank buildings in the United States