mobile icon
Toggle Nav
My Cart
Close
  • Menu
  • Setting

louis h. sullivan's farmers and merchants union bank (1919) in photographs

the farmers & merchants union bank first got its humble start in a dry goods store in columbus, wisconsin, at the immediate out start of the civil war. new yorker and businessman john r. wheeler named it “the union bank” to signify his support for the northern states and abraham lincoln. several years later, at the end of the war, the bank moved into the “telephone building” and “union bank” became the addendum to its current name. the enterprise would not reach its current iteration until 1918, when the bank president (and descendant of john wheeler) decided to expand, and commission a new building.

while wheeler initially aimed to design the bank in greek classical style, his wife persuaded him to contact louis sullivan, who was well into the decline of his career. even so, sullivan displayed confidence in his legacy and in the worth of his work; he purportedly reassured wheeler that his design would not be copied because it was inimitable, and responded to concerns about cost by reminding that wheeler would own the only louis sullivan-designed bank in the state.

the resulting building was landmarked in the mid-1970’s, and is considered the last of sullivan’s eight “jewel box” bank buildings, scattered in small towns across the mid-west. each of these cost less than $125,000 and had a relatively small footprint, yet many are described as cathedral-like masterpieces. to date, each of sullivan’s “jewel box” buildings are still in commercial use and most have been well-maintained. while many of sullivan’s greater works within chicago faced demolition by the mid-20th century, these smaller projects from late in his life have been met with appreciation and care, as exemplary architecture within their smaller communities.

the building that resulted from wheeler and sullivan’s partnership is an oblong red brick structure on the corner of a downtown street. sullivan was precise in his vision, selecting bricks at random, to give the facade a shaded effect that would be highlighted with touches of color. though less significant structurally, the building was elaborately decorated with sullivan’s signature terracotta ornament, which was glazed in a pale green and mottled brown. the impressive entry way is comprised of receding archways that frame colorful blue stained glass windows. a lavish marble lintel beneath the archway pronounces the bank and its architect in gold, and is framed on either side by geometric blocks featuring protruding leaf tendrils and organic design elements. two lions stand on either side of the lintel, while eagles guard the front and rear. the side of the building showcases a series of subtler archways that echo the main entrance, buttressed by square block pillars. on the interior, green marble countertops, dark wood, and wrought iron teller cages accentuate the prairie style. sullivan’s detailing can be found throughout.

the farmers & merchants union bank was built just five years before louis sullivan’s demise, impoverished, in a chicago hotel room. it was the second to last bank he would design, and marks the modest but inspired end of a great architect’s career.

author's note: photographic documentation was limited to the exterior ornament (e.g., mottled terra cotta, art glass, "tapestry" brick, etc.). images were taken over the course of two days, with the first in the middle of a rainstorm. the second day offered ample sunlight, but at the wrong time. due to time constraints, i did not shoot in my preferred "window," when light and ornament perform a mesmerizing dance. perhaps on the next visit, i will not only gain access to the interior, but be present at the right time to capture the exterior the way i failed to do in the images presented below. 

 

Leave a Reply
Sorry, you must be logged in to post a comment.


Some Of Our Clientele

WORDLWIDE SHIPPING

If required, please contact an Urban Remains sales associate.

NEW PRODUCTS DAILY

Check back daily as we are constantly adding new products.

PREMIUM SUPPORT

We're here to help answer any question. Contact us anytime!

SALES & PROMOTIONS

Join our newsletter to get the latest information

Close