First National Bank of Mason City facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First National Bank of Mason City
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5-7 N. Federal Ave. Mason City, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1911 |
| Built by | C.E. Atkinson |
| Architect | Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen |
| Architectural style | Early Commercial |
| Part of | Mason City Downtown Historic District (ID05000956) |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000392 |
| Added to NRHP | May 2, 1997 |
The First National Bank of Mason City is a historic building in Mason City, Iowa. It is also known as the Norwest Bank Building and City Center of Mason City. This building was designed by a famous architectural firm from Des Moines, Iowa, called Liebbe, Nourse & Rasmussen. It was the only building they designed in Mason City.
A Historic Building
The First National Bank building was finished in 1911. It was built by C.E. Atkinson, who had worked on other projects designed by H.F. Liebbe. The building is 6½ stories tall. It was built in the Early Commercial style, which was popular in the Chicago area at the time.
The building has a simple design. The main floor and the top floor have some decorations. The five floors in between are made of plain brick. When it first opened, the bank used most of the first floor. They also had some offices on the floors above. Other parts of the building were rented out to different businesses and professionals. By the 1960s, the bank had grown and was using the entire building.
A Famous Event
On March 13, 1934, a famous bank robbery happened here. A group of criminals, including John Dillinger, robbed the bank. They stole about $50,000. During the robbery, there was a shootout, and Dillinger was injured. This event became a well-known part of the building's history.
Changes Over Time
In 1982, the building next to the bank was torn down. A new two-story addition was built in its place. This addition connected to the bank building.
The First National Bank building is very important historically. In 1997, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a special place in American history. In 2005, it was also listed as a contributing property to the Mason City Downtown Historic District.
In 1995, a company called City Center of Mason City Inc. bought the building. They renovated it to create apartments and offices. Today, this historic building continues to be an important part of Mason City.
