Property Record
902 JAY ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | GERMAN-AMERICAN BANK |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | SHIPBUILDER'S CREDIT UNION |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 28653 |
| Location (Address): | 902 JAY ST |
|---|---|
| County: | Manitowoc |
| City: | Manitowoc |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1901 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1985 |
| Historic Use: | bank/financial institution |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Eighth Street Historic District |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date: | 3/17/1988 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. The German-American Bank building dates from 1901 and was built as the headquarters of that financial organization. This two story brick building makes extensive use of cut, rusticated stone for window sills and lintels on the second floor facades and as wall material for the main first floor facade. The main entrance on the rounded corner is under an arch of stone supported by two marble columns on granite bases. The wooden cornice overhangs slightly, supported by a row of dentils. The second floor corner window is inset slightly. The integrity of the building has been completely retained. The bank building is significant as an intact, well maintained example of 1900's era commercial construction. It stands out s a very nice example of the period method and style of construction. The German-American Bank was founded in September 1900 by several local businessmen who also owned and operated the National Bank at Manitowoc. In 1900-1901, the present building was constructed at a cost of $18,000. With the advent of World War I, the German American Bank became the American Exchange Bank which continued to operate until 1933. The German American Bank was chartered as the financial institution of the German ethnic population in the City. Its significance is through its connection with the German community. |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: | ARCHITECTURAL AND HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN MANITOWOC, MANITOWOC COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 1988. Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter 6/4/2000. A. County Tax Rolls. B. Falge, Louis, History of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, 1911, p. 365. C. Manitowoc City Directories, 1900-01 through 1934. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |