In 1908, the managers of National Farmer’s Bank in the small city of Owatonna wanted a new bank building. They felt that the neoclassical style of the day did not suit their needs or the image they wanted to present. They sought out Louis Sullivan.
He designed for them this incredible three story building with custom multicolored terracotta, vibrant glass tiles, warm brick, and two enormous semicircular stained glass windows. Following the National Farmer’s commission, Sullivan was commissioned over the next decade and a half to design several other bank buildings in small midwestern cities. Together they are referred to as his Jewel Box Banks.
ThanHowWhy says
Photo by me.
In 1908, the managers of National Farmer’s Bank in the small city of Owatonna wanted a new bank building. They felt that the neoclassical style of the day did not suit their needs or the image they wanted to present. They sought out Louis Sullivan.
He designed for them this incredible three story building with custom multicolored terracotta, vibrant glass tiles, warm brick, and two enormous semicircular stained glass windows. Following the National Farmer’s commission, Sullivan was commissioned over the next decade and a half to design several other bank buildings in small midwestern cities. Together they are referred to as his Jewel Box Banks.