Mercantile National Bank Building

The Mercantile National Bank Building is a 31-story skyscraper in the Streamline Moderne style located in downtown Dallas. The structure features a distinctive four-sided clock tower with a spire and now houses residential apartments and ground-floor retail spaces.

The building was completed in 1943 and became the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River at that time. It held the title of Dallas's highest building until 1954, when newer skyscrapers were constructed.

The building displays decorative mosaics throughout its interior spaces that reflect mid-20th-century craftsmanship and design values. These artistic elements catch the eye of visitors passing through the lobby and ground-floor areas.

The building is easily visible from street level and accessible to pedestrians exploring downtown Dallas, with ground-floor retail areas open to the public. The clock tower is visible from various vantage points around the area and serves as a helpful landmark for navigation.

The building was constructed during World War II with special wartime permits that allowed the use of prefabricated steel components. This approach made it the only major skyscraper built in America while the war was ongoing.

Location: Texas

Inception: 1943

Architects: Walter W. Ahlschlager

Architectural style: Streamline Moderne

Floors above the ground: 31

GPS coordinates: 32.78080,-96.79680

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:41