Downey Savings Bank

The Downey Savings Bank is a two-story brick structure with a commercial design representing early twentieth-century financial architecture in Cedar County. The building stands on Front Street in Downey, Iowa, maintaining its original exterior characteristics and detailing.

The institution was founded in 1903 and operated as a financial center until 1932 when it closed during the National Banking Holiday. This closure and subsequent merger with West Liberty Bank marked a turning point for the region's banking landscape.

The building served as a gathering place for commerce and shifted to become a grocery store, hardware store, and pottery studio over time. These changing uses reflect how the town's economic life evolved across generations.

The building is accessible on Front Street in Downey and easy to spot when walking through town. Visitors can observe the original brick facade and architectural details from the sidewalk to appreciate its design.

The structure received National Register of Historic Places designation in 1976, formally recognizing its architectural and historical significance. This preservation status has protected the building's legacy and documented its role in the region's economic history.

Location: Cedar County

Inception: 1903

Address: Front Street

GPS coordinates: 41.61618,-91.34969

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:20