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Property Location
Property Features
The Commercial National Bank Building is a good example of the Commercial Style. The style developed in the late nineteenth century when new technology made the construction of taller, larger, and more open office buildings feasible. Commercial Style buildings have iron or steel structural systems that allow for taller buildings and an open interior plan. Other details include regular fenestration with large, divided light windows and minimal exterior ornamentation.
With its several stories, simple ornamentation, and regular fenestration, the Commercial National Bank Building is typical of the Commrcial Style. And, with the exception of the lower floor storefront and entrance, the building exhibits a high level of integrity. This building is especially important as its type is found more commonly in larger cities. It's design and construction can provide important information about such buildings in smaller communities in the state.
The building was constructed as the new office for the Commercial National Bank. By 1934, though, the bank's name had changed to the National Exchange Bank and the office building was renamed accordingly. By 1970, the building was known as the First National CasualtyBuilding. Most of the building's space has been taken up with professional offices, but a drug store has been located on the first floor of the building ofr a number of years.
This building is the home of one of Fond du Lac's most important banking houses. It also contributes to the commercial significance of the South Main Street Historic District.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Questions?
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For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
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Access Property Records
Some properties have more materials (correspondence, clippings, historical information, etc.) not in the digital record. If a 'Site File' exists, it's noted in the 'Additional Comments' field. Contact us for an appointment to view these materials.
