Merchants National Bank, bank building in Winona, Minnesota, United States
Merchants National Bank is a bank building in Winona completed in 1912 and designed in the Prairie School style. The structure features horizontal lines, brick walls with terracotta ornaments, and large windows with stained glass that fills the interior with colored light from a central skylight.
The building was designed in 1912 by William Gray Purcell, George Feick Jr., and George Grant Elmslie as a notable departure from the classical European styles that dominated American banking architecture at that time. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 as part of the Winona Commercial Historic District.
The bank takes its name from its original purpose as a financial institution serving merchants. Inside, murals by Albert Fleury depict local farming and river scenes that connected the community to its agricultural heritage and surrounding landscape.
The building is located on East 3rd Street and is easily recognized by its square form and brick construction. The exterior is accessible for viewing, allowing visitors to observe the architectural details from various angles.
A terracotta eagle perches above the entrance, symbolizing strength and local pride. This uncommon detail shows how artists and architects wove natural symbolism into a working business building.
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