60 North Water Street, The Double Bank Building, c. 1831, Greek Revival Style

60 North Water Street, The Double Bank Building, c. 1831, Greek Revival Style

In 1831 the Merchants’ and Mechanics’ Banks jointly employed Providence architect Russell Warren to design a building for their common use with the Merchants’ Bank on the south side and the Mechanics’ Bank on the north side. The construction of the two halves of this Greek Revival building was undertaken separately under different contracts. Dudley Davenport built the south half, while Robert Chase built the north half. When the building neared completion, it was discovered that the Doric columns that support the pediment on the building front differed. Although the height and top and bottom diameters were specified, the builders in the swelling curve of the columns. Russell Warren determined that those in front of the north half were correct. The Merchants' Bank, affiliated with and inspired by the Merchants' Insurance company, was formed in 1825. John Avery Parker served as the first President of the bank from 1825 until his death in 1853.

The Mechanics’ Bank and Mechanics’ Insurance Company was incorporated in 1831 and began business in “Samuel Rodman’s Stone Building, south side.” The Mechanics’ Bank moved to the Double Bank Building in 1833 or 1834. The banks were similar in interior arrangement, with the vaults located at the easterly end of the original building. The rear of the building contained a Social Library. When the bank left these quarters in 1854, the building was purchased by Benjamin Lindsey and he published the Whalemen’s Shipping List on this site for the next 20 years. When the property to the east was acquired in 1876, both banks extended their quarters. Both banks conducted business here until 1894. Today the building houses commercial offices.