First National Bank of Davenport

The First National Bank of Davenport, also known as Brenton Bank and The Brenton, is an historic building located in central Davenport, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018.[1]

This article is about the former bank building on Brady Street. It is not to be confused with First National Bank Building (Davenport, Iowa).
First National Bank of Davenport
Location1606 Brady St.
Davenport, Iowa
Coordinates41°32′10.4″N 90°34′29.3″W
Arealess than one acre
Built1966-1967
ArchitectStewart-Robison-Laffan
Architectural styleModern Movement
NRHP reference No.100002918[1]
Added to NRHPSeptember 13, 2018

History

The three-story Modern Movement building was built in 1967 for the First National Bank of Davenport, a part of the Brenton Bank network in Iowa. It was originally designed to be a part of a larger commercial development with several Mid-century modern-style buildings.[2] When those plans changed the bank building was self-financed independently of the larger development.

The building is significant for its embrace of New Formalism architecture.[2] The Davenport Public Library building downtown and this building are considered the two most significant examples of the style in the city.[3][4] It also marks the shift from the historical revival styles and the more restricted expressions of Modernism. There was an emphasis placed on the building's structure and construction grid on a raised base.[2] The three-story concrete and steel frame structure was designed by the local architectural firm of Stewart-Robison-Laffan.

After the bank discontinued its operations, the building was acquired by the Davenport Community School District for its offices and other programs. In July 2018 the school district moved its operations into a former school building across the street. Newbury Living of West Des Moines, Iowa began converting the building into a mixed-use project.[5][6] The $6.7 million renovation created 38 new apartments and it was completed in 2020.[7] The apartments are located on the second and third floors, while the first floor is an open public gathering space. A gaming room was placed in the bank's former vault in the basement.

References
  1. "National Register of Historic Places Program: Weekly List". National Park Service. September 14, 2018. Retrieved 2018-09-15.
  2. "First National Bank of Davenport Added to National Register of Historic Places". Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. January 29, 2019. Retrieved 2019-08-25.
  3. Michael Allen. "First Federal Savings and Loan Association Building" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved 2018-09-15.
  4. Sarah Ritter (January 29, 2019). "Davenport Schools building, future home of 38 apartments, added to National Register". Quad-City Times. Davenport. Retrieved 2019-04-26.
  5. Jennifer DeWitt (May 2, 2018). "Newbury lands critical funding for Hilltop housing project". Quad-City Times. Davenport. Retrieved 2018-09-15.
  6. Deirdre Cox Baker (December 28, 2017). "Davenport district headquarters leased to preserve tax credits". Quad-City Times. Davenport. Retrieved 2018-09-15.
  7. Alma Gaul (January 15, 2020). "'The Brenton' brings new vibe to Davenport's Hilltop neighborhood". Quad-City Times. Davenport. Retrieved 2020-01-15.
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