Wright Chat

IMHO, the future of this bank building is every bit as important as saving the David Wright Residence. There are only 8 of these buildings in existence, and this one falls into the upper half of this very small sampling in terms of its architectural and artistic qualities.

These relatively modest commercial buildings are not only uniquely American, but they are also uniquely Midwestern. And as a lifelong resident of the American Midwest, I feel very strongly that these Sullivan banks need to be treasured and protected.

http://thegazette.com/2012/08/31/develo ... ivan-bank/

Apparently the new owner plans to adapt the building rather than tear it down. That's strictly second choice if the interior was in good condition, or at least restorable, but well ahead of third.

The on-going future problem for any owner of this property is that it is located in a flood zone. That is why it is no longer a Wells Fargo bank.

The multi-billion dollar floodwall proposed for downtown Cedar Rapids after the massive floods was supposed to include the Sullivan bank within its protective zone. Maybe the parameters have changed? Would that be such a shock that our government might change the rules or boundaries during the course of the game? Oh no, it can't be true!

What -- a new and water-right arena, with the Peoples' Bank included -- just off-field at the 50-yd line, as a combined snack bar and visiting-team locker room ?

I like it !

SDR

It's an odd duck of a building. The scale of the base seems low and squat for that immense 'lantern' bearing down on it. The low placement of the windows in the base makes it look like the entire building is sinking into the ground. Not Sullivan/Elmslie's best effort, bank-wise. The interior is far superior to the exterior. If it is turned into a restaurant, as the developer foresees, a lot of its 'bankness' will be lost, but it could be done sensitively. The Mason City bank had a similar change of use problem. Paul, how successful is that space now that you can't cash a check there?

Roderick,
The area that was previously occupied by the City National Bank now serves the important function of the Historic Park Inn's Ballroom. It is a nice space, but not as large as many hotel ballrooms. Since the hotel only has 27 rooms it seems to work. The hotel is often booked in its entirety for weddings with the guests taking up the rest of the hotel.

At other times the Ballroom is rented for community events. There are also numerous meeting rooms in the basement of the bank that are available for rental.

The community has really embraced the restored hotel which just celebrated its one year anniversary.

From the WrightOnThePark.org site:

Oh, dear, I don't like that carpet.

Have any of the Iowans of us (or any others) visited the restaurant now occupying LHS's bank in Cedar Rapids? Looks neat.

http://popolicr.com/

Wonderful space. The reuse seems well done, though the photographs are a bit Gloria Swanson: "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.