Heritage Tower

Heritage Tower is a 20-story skyscraper clad in gray Indiana limestone that rises approximately 238 feet above downtown Battle Creek. After renovation, the structure now houses 85 residential apartments and about 32,000 square feet of commercial space at street level.

The structure was built in 1931 to serve as the headquarters of the Old Merchants National Bank, which ranked as one of the largest financial institutions across the region between Detroit and Chicago. This bank was instrumental in shaping the area's economic growth during that era.

The building displays Art Deco design features that reflect how Battle Creek's economy flourished during the 1930s and shaped the city's skyline.

The building sits prominently downtown and is easy to spot from street level when exploring the area. Its mixed-use design with residential and commercial spaces means the area feels active at different times throughout the day.

This building featured Michigan's first wooden escalator, a technical innovation for banks of that era. Golden travertine stone adorns the mezzanine floor, a material choice that redefined what bank interiors could look like.

Location: Battle Creek

Inception: 1930s

Architects: Weary and Alford Company

Architectural style: Art Deco architecture

Address: 25 West Michigan Avenue

GPS coordinates: 42.32000,-85.18306

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:21