Chapin National Bank Building facts for kids
The Chapin National Bank Building is a cool old building in Springfield, Massachusetts. It's located at 1675-1677 Main Street. Built in 1917, it was originally home to a bank started by Chester Chapin. This building is a great example of a style called Classical Revival architecture. Today, it's not a bank anymore, but it holds other businesses. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, which means it's an important historical site.
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Chapin National Bank Building
|
|
Chapin National Bank Building
|
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Springfield, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1917 |
| Architect | Mowbray and Uffinger |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| MPS | Downtown Springfield MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000742 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1983 |
Contents
A Look at the Chapin Bank Building
The Chapin National Bank Building stands proudly in downtown Springfield. You can find it right at the northeast corner of Main and Lyman Streets. It's a two-story building made of strong stone.
Classical Revival Style
The building shows off a style called Classical Revival architecture. This means it looks a bit like ancient Greek or Roman buildings. For example, the side facing Lyman Street has a fancy "Doric frieze." This is a decorative band with designs, often seen in old Greek temples. It also has four tall, grooved columns that look very grand.
The front of the building, on Main Street, used to look similar. However, some parts of it have been changed over time. Modern panels now cover some of the original design. Still, you can see the classical frieze near the roof.
Who Was Chester Chapin?
The bank building is named after Chester Chapin. He was born nearby in Ludlow, Massachusetts. Chester Chapin was a very successful businessman. He first made money running stagecoaches. Later, he became involved in railroads and other businesses.
Starting the Bank
In 1872, Chester Chapin started his own bank. It officially became the Chapin National Bank in 1878. Chapin was also active in his community. He served as a city leader, called a selectman. He even spent one term in the United States Congress from 1875 to 1877.
The Building's History
The current Chapin National Bank Building was built in 1917. It stands on the same spot where the bank's older building used to be. The famous architects Mowbray and Uffinger from New York City designed it. Even with some changes to its front, the building is still a special example of Classical Revival architecture in Springfield.
