The Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank
The 1942 Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank building is now the home of a Westin Hotel. The building is a fine example of Streamline Moderne Art Deco and is often noted for the relief sculptures of a farmer and a mechanic that frame main entrance. The sculptures were designed by former head the sculpture department at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Warren T. Mosman . This beautiful old building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. A previous Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank headquarters, built in 1891 at 115 S. 4th St. It is now home to The Downtown Cabaret strip club.
Looks like the left wing was demolished compromising the symmetry inherent in Streamlined Moderne design. Oh, well. That’s progress for ya.
You need some pix of the owl windows from the inside and some of the fabulous walnut carvings on the walls. Also closeups of the farmers and mechanics bas reliefs by the doors!