People's Federal Savings and Loan Association
| Company type | Financial institution |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | 1917 |
| Headquarters | Sidney , United States |
| Products | Banking services |
The People's Federal Savings and Loan Association is a notable historic banking structure situated at 101 East Court Street in Sidney, Ohio. This building was created by the renowned Chicago architect Louis Sullivan and constructed in 1917 for the Peoples Federal Savings and Loan Association, which continues to occupy the premises. It represents one of several financial institutions Sullivan designed for smaller Midwestern towns between 1908 and 1919. The edifice holds the distinction of being listed as a National Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
Description and history
Positioned at the intersection of East Court and South Ohio Streets in Sidney, this building is located across from the Spot restaurant and in close proximity to the Shelby County Courthouse. The facade is adorned with multicolored terracotta corbels situated above the front windows, while the entrance showcases a striking Romanesque Revival archway framed in black marble. The exterior walls display vibrant red hues complemented by glass windows in shades of blue, green, and purple. This architectural approach exemplifies Sullivan's philosophy of combining straightforward structural forms with intricate detailing.
The People's Federal Savings and Loan Association in Sidney was part of a series of late-career projects by Sullivan, characterized by relatively small yet elaborately ornamented bank buildings often referred to as "jewel boxes." Reportedly, Sullivan developed the design after spending two days studying the location. Although initially dismissed by the bank’s board members who favored a conventional Classical design, Sullivan maintained that his distinctive concept was unparalleled among architects. The final construction cost came in $1,000 under his original estimate.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Shelby County, Ohio
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Ohio
Additional Louis Sullivan "jewel box" banks:
- Farmers and Merchants Bank, Columbus, Wisconsin (1919)
- Henry Adams Building, Algona, Iowa (1913)
- Home Building Association Company, Newark, Ohio (1915)
- Merchants' National Bank, Grinnell, Iowa (1914)
- National Farmer's Bank, Owatonna, Minnesota (1908)
- Peoples Savings Bank, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (1912)
- Purdue State Bank, West Lafayette, Indiana (1914)