Property Record
101 W 2ND ST (AKA MAIN ST W)
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | FIRST NATIONAL BANK (A) |
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| Other Name: | LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT POWER CO |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 858 |
| Location (Address): | 101 W 2ND ST (AKA MAIN ST W) |
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| County: | Ashland |
| City: | Ashland |
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| Year Built: | 1890 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19832021 |
| Historic Use: | bank/financial institution |
| Architectural Style: | Romanesque Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
| Architect: | CONOVER, PORTER, AND PADLEY (A) |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | West Second Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 2/2/1984 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | CNR TOWER LOST, FIRST STORY ALTERED LANDMARK IN DISTRICT CONOVER AND PORTER HAD OFFICES HERE [Date Cnst:(A)] This bank was organized in 1886 with a capital of $75,000 with Dr. Edwin Ellis as President, Sam S. Fifield as Vice-President, and Carl E. Street as cashier. By 1903, this building was known as the Ashland National Bank which had incorporated in 1884 at 518 W. 2nd Street, at this location the President was Thomas Bardon; Vice-President W.R. Durfee, Architects Conover & Porter had offices here. DESCRIPTION: Built in the early 1890's by architects Conover, Porter and Padley, this massive cream brick and brownstone office building is missing the top of its circular corner tower and the rockfaced brownstone first-floor arches. The building's integrity is largely retained on the second and third floors by the continuous brick corbel table and parapet, rockfaced brownstone cornice, and the rock-faced brownstone lentels and sills, indicate first-floor alterations were intended as early as 1919 to be executed to plans by architects H.C. Hallock of New York, H. Wildhagen of Ashland, and Hoggson Brothers of Chicago. The remaining brownstone arches on the Ellis Avenue facade indicate these plans were abandoned. SIGNIFICANCE: This brick and brownstone corner building is considered pivotal not so much for its architectural integrity as for its association with Ashland's banking history and with the City's most important architects, Conover, Porter and Padley, who designed this eclectic Victorian Romanesque Revival style building located at the northeast corner of the commercial district at the historically important intersection with Ellis Avenue, this finely designed building was the first impression of Ashland's commercial aspirations. The historically important commercial district was recognized by all to begin at Ellis Avenue. Conover, Porter and Padley had their office in this building, which relates well to other Conover, Porter and Padley buildings in the district (#11, #40). 2021: Murals on all elevations of the rear addition. A building that formerly abutted the southwest elevation was removed c.2000. |
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| Bibliographic References: | [A] ASHLAND SALUTES 100 YEARS OF PROGRESS [B] NRHP NOMINATION FORMS |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |