| Additional Information: | Previously surveyed in 1988.
2010-2011 Intensive Survey Info: Featuring large expanses of concrete panels finished with aggregate stone, this two-story banking facility is topped with a flat roof. The block along S. Main Street dates to 1967-68, while the rear addition was added in 1977. Narrow clerestory-like windows run immediately beneath the roofline, while tall-and-narrow examples are located throughout the remainder of the building. A free-standing, one-story, drive-up facility is located to the south of the main building.
Designed in 1966 by the Milwaukee firm of Brust & Brust, the initial block of the National Exchange Bank & Trust was completed in 1968. The bank, which was originally named the National Exchange Bank, was established during The Depression, on 20 December 1933. Its first president was William Mauthe, president of the Northern Casket Company (26 N. Brooke Street), who had the charge of instilling confidence to the public so that they would purchase bank stock. Many of the new bank's customers were patrons of the Commercial National Bank, which was established in 1870 (it was still in business in 1930, but in receivership as of 1934), and for which Mauthe had also sat as the Chairman of the Board. The new bank reportedly displayed stacks of cash in its lobby in order to ensure its patrons that the did indeed have available money on hand. A permit to demolish the previous structure and to construct the subject building was taken out in January 1967; the cost of doing both activities was estimated at $709,470. The new modern banking facility opened for business on 22 January 1968. In 1975, a Trust Department was added to the bank and the name of the bank was changed to reflect that expansion of services. In 1977, the bank added a free-standing, drive-up facility (AHI#209903) at the southernmost point of the parcel (notably the first in the City of Fond du Lac), as well as added an addition to the rear of its original 1968 block. The building continues to serve the community as National Exchange Bank & Trust.
The subject structure is a very good and intact example of the Contemporary style of architecture. As well, the structure stands as a good example of a modern banking facility and, therefore, also provides additional eligibility as a property type. As it stands today, the structure has not yet reached 50 years of age, for the rear addition and drive-up facility were not completed until 1977. |
|---|
