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Property Location
Property Features
Originally constructed in 1873 and enlarged in the Italianate style in 1888 (A)(B), the facade of the First National Bank was remodeled using random coursed sandstone to create the appearance of the massive Richardsonian Romanesque style in 1898. Characterized by sandstone columns with Romanesque capitals composed of stylized leaf and facial forms that extend across the lower facade, the facade is further ornamented by Romanesque round arched windows encased in stone mouldings and a plain cornice.
The First National bank is architecturally significant as the best extant example in Chippewa Falls of the influence of the Romanesque Revival. The First National bank received a charter to commence banking operations in 1873. A brick bank building was erected the same year. Original officers of the bank were Chippewa Falls businessman Thomas Hulbert, and H.S. Allen (A).
In 1887 a rear addition for coal sheds was built (B). In 1888 the bank was enlarged to two stories including operations on the first floor and office space on the second floor. Chippewa Falls resident Judge R.D. Marshall, later a Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice, housed his offices on this floor between 1884-1889 (C).
Extensive remodeling was accomplished in 1898, giving the bank its present exterior appearance. Exterior alterations included a new sandstone facing with columns.
This bank building is historically important to the City of Chippewa Falls as the best preserved representative of the city's nineteenth century banking operations.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
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