First National Bank of Mankato facts for kids
The First National Bank of Mankato, also known as the Old First National Bank of Mankato, is a historic building in Mankato, Minnesota. Located at 229 South Front Street, it's a great example of Prairie School architecture. This style of building often has strong horizontal lines and natural materials. The bank building shows how important farming and business were to Mankato as it grew into a major city. Today, the outside of the building has been fixed up and is part of the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, a big event venue in Mankato.
Quick facts for kids |
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First National Bank of Mankato
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 229 S. Front St., Mankato, Minnesota |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1913 |
| Architect | Ellerbe & Round |
| Architectural style | Prairie School |
| MPS | Blue Earth County MRA (AD) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001004 |
| Added to NRHP | July 30, 1974 |
Contents
Building History
Mankato started as a settlement in 1852. Before that, the land belonged to the Sisseton Dakota Sioux people. They gave up the land in 1851 through the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux. As Mankato grew quickly, it became a busy place with quarries, factories, shops, and hotels. Banks were very important for these businesses and for the farmers in the area.
Early Banks in Mankato
In the early 1900s, the First National Bank of Mankato was one of three main banks in the city. The others were Citizens' National Bank and Mankato State Bank. The First National Bank had a dramatic moment in 1876. The famous outlaw Jesse James and his gang tried to rob it, but they were stopped. This happened just before their well-known defeat in Northfield.
A Design Mystery
When the First National Bank wanted a new building, they talked to Carl K. Bennett. He suggested the famous architects Purcell and Elmslie from Minneapolis. In 1912, Purcell and Elmslie drew many detailed plans for the new bank. They left these plans with the bank officials.
Later, the bank told Purcell and Elmslie that they would not be hired. The architects asked for their sketches back. It took many weeks for the bank to return them. During this time, the bank hired a different architecture firm, Ellerbe & Round.
Similarities in Design
It seems that Ellerbe & Round's design for the bank, built in 1913, used many ideas from Purcell and Elmslie's sketches. Purcell and Elmslie even got letters from people who thought the new bank building was their work! While the design was very similar, Ellerbe & Round did make some changes. For example, they removed a planned garden area and a large arch at the front.
Ellerbe & Round later became very famous for designing many buildings for the Mayo Clinic. This included the original "Red" Building in 1914.
The First National Bank building was originally on a busy corner of Front Street South and West Hickory Street. For a while, it was even at risk of being torn down. Luckily, the outside of the building was saved and fixed up. It is now part of the south side of the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. The part of Front Street where it used to be is gone. You can now find the restored bank exterior at about 105 West Hickory Street.
Building Style
The First National Bank building uses local Mankato limestone, brick, and terra cotta. This is similar to the "jewel box" banks designed by Louis Sullivan. It also resembles banks built by his former employees, William Gray Purcell and George Elmslie. The brick building has special features like stained glass windows, which were inspired by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It also has fancy decorations along the roofline.
Even though some experts say the building isn't as "lively" as designs by Sullivan or Purcell and Elmslie, they still call it a "good example of the Prairie Style." They also consider it the most important single building in Mankato.
