Farmers and Merchants Union Bank

The Farmers and Merchants Union Bank is a two-story building constructed from brick and terracotta featuring marble trim and stained glass windows. The structure displays carefully crafted ornamental elements positioned throughout the exterior.

Built in 1919, the building was the eighth and final bank project designed by architect Louis Sullivan. This construction marked the conclusion of Sullivan's series of small bank designs created over two decades.

The building reflects banking design practices from the early 1900s that shaped how commercial buildings looked across the Midwest. The ornamental details on the facade show what business owners valued in architecture during that time.

The building is located in Columbus, Wisconsin and remains actively in use today, which may limit interior access for visitors. Check ahead to see if architectural tours or special viewing times are available.

Sullivan later documented the specially designed cartouches and marble entrance frame in a publication about architectural ornaments. These details reveal his careful attention to decoration even in smaller building projects.

Location: Columbus

Inception: 1919

Architects: Louis Sullivan

Floors above the ground: 2

Made from material: brick, terracotta

Address: 159 W James Street, Columbus, Wisconsin 53925

Website: https://fmub.com

GPS coordinates: 43.33876,-89.01573

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06