First National Bank and Trust Building (Lima, Ohio)
| Company type | Bank |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking, financial services |
| Founded | 1903 |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Fate | Merged with Huntington Bank |
| Headquarters | Lima, Ohio , United States |
| Products | Banking services |
The First National Bank and Trust Building stands as a notable historic edifice located on Public Square in the heart of downtown Lima, Ohio, United States. Constructed in 1926, its design was crafted by the Chicago architectural firm Weary & Alford Company. This twelve-story structure, adorned with Indiana Limestone on its exterior, served as the main office for the First National Bank and Trust Company from its completion until 1974, when the institution merged with Huntington Bank. The building’s uppermost floor is distinguished by windows topped with arches and linked by spandrels.
The bank originated in 1903 under the name "Lima Trust Company." Initially, it operated from a Masonic building before relocating to a smaller facility in 1906. The move to the present building occurred in 1926. Lima’s economic boom during the early 1900s—fueled by the railroad industry and oil production—encouraged extensive downtown growth characterized by Chicago Style architecture. The First National Bank and Trust Building is among the final significant structures erected in downtown Lima prior to economic downturns that shifted development toward suburban locations.
Acknowledged for both its architectural merit and historical importance, this building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 as a component of the "Lima Multiple Resource Area," which emphasizes architecturally significant buildings within the vicinity of downtown Lima.
In addition to its commercial legacy, the building plays a role in regional conservation efforts by serving as a nesting habitat for peregrine falcons, contributing to the Midwest Peregrine Falcon Restoration Project.