Property Record
1059 MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | First National Bank |
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| Other Name: | S & J Pizza |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 72938 |
| Location (Address): | 1059 MAIN ST |
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| County: | Portage |
| City: | Stevens Point |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1892 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | bank/financial institution |
| Architectural Style: | Romanesque Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Sandstone |
| Architect: | Edward P. Bassford |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Mathias Mitchell Public Square--Main Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 8/13/1986 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | The First National Bank is a nicely detailed two story building faced with sandstone. The first story has been remodeled, and corner pilasters are deteriorating. However, above the iron lintel whch separates the stories, a remarkable amount of detail remains. The second story contains three equally spaced rectangular windows. The surrounds consist of engaged colonettes supporting a semicircular arch; an archivolt springs from pilasters which separate the window openings. The tympanum above each window is filled with foliated decoration, the central tympanum includes a bas relief eagle. Two pilaster strips, supported by carved corbels, rise to support a broken pediment which is centered on the building. The capitals of colonettes and pilasters are carved acanthus motifs. More stylized ornament decorates the cornice. The First National Bank building conveys a sense of massiveness despite its small scale. This is accomplished through the use of stone, repetition of semicircular arches and substantial cornice and pediment. Delicate ornament is juxtaposed with the large scale elements to further enrich the design. The building is best characterized as a Richardsonian Romanesque design and is significant as an example of a period of construction. This is the only building in the commercial district constructed of this type of stone and displaying this very intricate, delicate ornament. The First National Bank serves as a pivotal building in the proposed district and marks the east edge of the district. This is another of the old bank buildings on Main Street. The First National was founded in 1883 on the site of eastern bay of the Hunter's Corner building (1003 Main). It moved to this site in 1891 and is presently located at 1245 Main Street. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Cornice stone. (B) Stevens Point Centennial Booklet, 1958, p. 50. (C) Stevens Point City Directory 1893. Stevens Point Daily Journal. April 30, 1892, p. 1. Brown, Thomas. Gateway to the Pineries. Stevens Point, 1988, p. 25. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |