First National Bank (Grand Forks, North Dakota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
First National Bank
|
|
Photographed in 2006
|
|
 Location in North Dakota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 322 DeMers Ave., Grand Forks, North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Area | less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1914 and 1915 |
| Architectural style | Early Commercial, Classical Revival, Other, and Vernacular |
| MPS | Downtown Grand Forks MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001323 |
| Added to NRHP | October 26, 1982 |
The First National Bank is a cool five-story building in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It was built a long time ago, between 1914 and 1915. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 because it's so important. Even though it was first built for the Scandinavian-American Bank, it's been known as the First National Bank building since 1929.
Contents
When the Scandinavian-American Bank first started, its offices were in the Metropolitan Opera House in Grand Forks. The new bank building was finished in 1915. Later, the bank became a national bank and changed its name to Northwestern National Bank.
In 1929, this bank joined with the First National Bank. The combined bank then moved into this building. During the Great Depression in 1933, the First National Bank faced tough times and closed. However, a new First National Bank quickly took its place. This new bank later became Alerus Financial in the year 2000.
The Building's Unique Design and Location
The First National Bank building sits on a corner lot. It is about 90 feet (27 meters) by 100 feet (30 meters) in size. You can find it where DeMers Avenue and North Fourth Street meet. Many people think it's a great example of Classical Revival architecture for a big business building.
Classical Revival Style Explained
Classical Revival architecture means it looks like old Greek or Roman buildings. The two sides of the bank building that face the street have a special two-part design. The bottom two floors have strong stone pillars. These pillars are built on top of smooth granite blocks.
Materials and Details of the Facade
The top three floors of the building are covered with red brick. The very top of the building has a stone cornice. A cornice is a fancy, decorative edge that sticks out from the wall.
Surviving the 1997 Flood
The First National Bank building was part of a study in 1981. This study looked at important historical buildings in downtown Grand Forks.
In 1997, the building was damaged by a big flood and fire. This happened during the 1997 Red River flood. It's amazing because this building is the only one on its entire block that was not torn down after the flood and fire. It truly stood strong!
- Ashley Shelby (2008) Red River Rising: The Anatomy of a Flood and the Survival of an American City (Minnesota Historical Society) ISBN: 9780873516945
