Iowa State Savings Bank

Iowa State Savings Bank, 122 Main Avenue; 1914; Harry R. Harbeck, Architect, From Illinois.This two-story bank building is of brick with terra cotta ornamentation and cut stone water table. In 1931, an expansion of the bank was undertaken with a one and one-half story, addition of similar design added to the rear. A rear entrance in the original building was relocated to the addition. In 1967, a major expansion and remodeling program was implemented. A one and one-half story brick addition, with arches for the main entrance, was constructed adjacent on the east. The entrance in the original building was removed and the opening was patched to match existing materials. The ground-floor windows were replaced with sheet glass in bronze-colored frames. A projecting, revolving sign was added to the original building at the corner.The design of the building was strongly influenced by the work of Louis Sullivan, an early exponent of modern architecture. Sullivan had a highly personalized design philosophy and style. He utilized ornamentation derived creatively from floral motifs and fluid lines to decorate his buildings. Sullivan was imitated successfully and creatively in this bank design by Harry Harbeck, an architect who lived in the Chicago area. The building design and ornamentation is an exceptional example of the so-called Sullivanesque Style. This important building was built at approximately the same time as Louis Sullivan's Van Allen Building (which is listed on the National Register) in downtown Clinton. The Iowa State Savings Bank was founded in 1905 and was located from 1907 to 1914 in what is now the Masonic Temple on Main Avenue.