Irwin Conference Center
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | 1954 in Columbus, Indiana, United States |
| Fate | Closed by Indiana Department of Financial Institutions in 2009; building converted to conference center |
| Successor | First Financial Bank (assets acquired 2009) |
| Headquarters | Columbus , United States |
Key people | Irwin Miller (president from 1947) |
| Products | Banking services (historically) |
| Owner | Cummins (since 2010) |
The Irwin Conference Center—originally known as Irwin Union Bank—was conceived by Eero Saarinen and completed in 1954 in Columbus, Indiana, United States. This facility comprises a single-story banking hall alongside an adjoining three-story office building. While part of the office annex was built simultaneously with the bank in 1954, a more extensive addition designed by Kevin Roche, John Dinkeloo and Associates was incorporated in 1973.
Since 2008, the property has undergone two ownership transitions and is currently managed by Cummins, whose global headquarters is situated just across Jackson Street. The structure holds the status of a National Historic Landmark.
History
In 1947, Irwin Miller assumed the presidency of Irwin Union Trust Company. By 1950, he engaged Eero Saarinen to create a bank design that departed from conventional neoclassical styles typical of financial institutions. Miller’s vision was to embody the bank’s innovative spirit, which included early adoption of credit cards and drive-through banking services. Saarinen’s architectural approach prioritized transparency and ease of customer interaction rather than traditional imposing aesthetics.
On September 18, 2009, the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions ordered the closure of Irwin Union Bank and Trust Company, appointing the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver. Subsequently, First Financial Bank from Hamilton, Ohio, acquired all deposits and most assets under a loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC. The FDIC projected an $850 million impact on the Deposit Insurance Fund due to this transaction.
In 2010, Cummins acquired the building from First Financial for $5.25 million with plans to renovate it into a corporate conference facility. First Financial maintained occupancy until its new headquarters was completed in 2012. Cummins targeted completion of renovations by mid-2014.
Design
Although its glass exterior appears straightforward, Saarinen’s design reflects extensive research and careful planning. The ceiling height was set at to prevent a claustrophobic environment. Centrally located is a freestanding file cabinet system designed to keep the office space open and free from clutter. Teller counters are brightly colored and equipped with removable plastic hoods to adapt service capacity during busy periods. A compact elevator coupled with a spiral staircase allows tellers secure access to the vault below. Steel and glass vestibules connect the transparent pavilion to the adjacent three-story office annex, facilitating private client interactions.
The expansive dome grid roofing led locals to nickname the bank the "brassiere factory," yet this distinctive feature contributed to a fourfold increase in customer traffic.
Landscape
The bank occupies just one-third of its plot, with its rear section featuring a drive-through lane and an ample parking area dotted with trees. Landscape architect Dan Kiley carefully selected tree species and plantings to harmonize the bank with neighboring structures while providing interior shade. His design centered on littleleaf linden trees, enhanced by euonymus ground cover and seasonal flowers such as begonias, geraniums, and chrysanthemums.
The landscaping sought to establish a tranquil green retreat within downtown Columbus, creating a park-like atmosphere accentuated by the bank’s relatively modest height compared to nearby buildings.
See also
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Indiana
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Bartholomew County, Indiana
External links
- 1950s architecture in the United States
- 1954 establishments in Indiana
- Bank buildings in Indiana
- Buildings and structures in Bartholomew County, Indiana
- Buildings and structures in Columbus, Indiana
- Commercial buildings completed in 1954
- Commercial buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Indiana
- Eero Saarinen structures
- Modernist architecture in Indiana
- National Historic Landmarks in Columbus, Indiana
- National Historic Landmarks in Indiana
- National Register of Historic Places in Bartholomew County, Indiana
- Tourist attractions in Bartholomew County, Indiana