First National Bank Building Davenport Iowa A Building with a Rich Past

The First National Bank Building in Davenport, Iowa, is a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture.

Built in 1903, this building has stood the test of time, witnessing the growth and development of the city.

Its design is a perfect blend of Romanesque and Renaissance Revival styles, with a façade that's both elegant and imposing.

The building's rich history is a testament to the city's prosperity during the early 20th century.

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The First National Bank Building in Davenport, Iowa, is a stunning landmark that's hard to miss. This beautiful building was constructed in 1924.

It's a remarkable example of Renaissance Revival architecture, blended with elements of the Chicago style. The building's stone exterior is a standout feature.

An arcade of arches and fluted pilasters with capitals on the lower level adds to its grandeur. The recessed arched main entrance is especially noteworthy.

The main entrance features an ornate cast bronze doorway and carved-stone figures above and in the arch. These figures represent various aspects of society, including commerce, banking, law, agriculture, industry, and labor.

The building's clock, mounted on the northeast corner, is a notable feature. However, it's not the original clock to the building.

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The First National Bank Building in Davenport, Iowa, has a rich history dating back to 1967. It was built as a three-story Modern Movement building for the First National Bank of Davenport, a part of the Brenton Bank network in Iowa.

The building was originally designed to be part of a larger commercial development with several Mid-century modern-style buildings. However, when those plans changed, the bank building was self-financed independently of the larger development.

The building is significant for its embracing of New Formalism architecture, a style that emphasizes the structure and construction grid on a raised base. This is evident in the three-story concrete and steel frame structure designed by the local architectural firm of Stewart-Robison-Laffan.

The building marked a shift from historical revival styles and the more restricted expressions of Modernism. After the bank discontinued its operations, the building was acquired by the Davenport Community School District for its offices and other programs.

The school district moved its operations into a former school building across the street in July 2018. This led to the building being converted into a mixed-use project by Newbury Living of West Des Moines, Iowa.

The First National Bank Building in Davenport, Iowa, is a notable example of New Formalism architecture, completed in 1967. Its design emphasizes the building's structure and construction grid.

The building's architects placed it on an elevated base, showcasing its concrete and steel frame structure, which was designed by the local firm of Stewart-Robison-Laffan. This design choice allows the building's structure to take center stage.

The upper floors are cantilevered over the main floor, giving the building a distinctive look. Slit windows alternate with slim vertical structure elements, adding visual interest to the facade.

Historically, the banking operations were located on the main level, which included a convenient drive-up window on the south side.

The First National Bank Building in Davenport, Iowa is still standing today, albeit with a name change to First Bank. It's a high-rise building.

The building was designed by architects Frank A. Childs and William Jones Smith, and its style is a blend of Beaux-Arts and Renaissance Revival.

The building's materials include metal, limestone, and panel (wood by form).

The Davenport Community School District acquired the building after the bank discontinued its operations. They used it for their offices and other programs until 2018.

In July 2018, the District moved its operations into a former school building across the street. This made way for a new development project.

Newbury Living of West Des Moines, Iowa took on the transformation of the building into a mixed-use project. The total cost of the project was $6.7 million.

The transformation was completed in 2020, and the building is now known as The Brenton. It features thirty-eight apartments on the second and third floors.

The first floor has been converted into an open public gathering space.

The First National Bank Building, now known as First Bank, has a rich history. It's located in Davenport, Iowa.

The building's design is a great example of Beaux-Arts style architecture. This style is characterized by grand proportions, ornate details, and a sense of classical order.

The building's exterior is made of limestone, which is a durable and attractive material. It's also worth noting that the building features a high-rise design, which was a cutting-edge innovation at the time of its construction.

Here are some key facts about the building's design: