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Lincoln Bank Tower

Lincoln Bank Tower Fort Wayne

Lincoln Bank Tower

Standing tall and proud in the heart of Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Lincoln Bank Tower is a testament to the grandeur of early 20th-century architecture. This iconic Art Deco skyscraper, completed in 1930, remains one of the most significant landmarks in the city, capturing the imagination of both locals and visitors alike with its stunning design and rich history.

The History of Lincoln Bank Tower

The story of the Lincoln Bank Tower begins with the founding of the Lincoln National Bank and Trust, originally established as the German-American National Bank in 1905. In the wake of World War I, anti-German sentiment prompted a name change, and on May 31, 1918, the institution was reborn as the Lincoln National Bank. The name was a nod to the Lincoln Highway, America's first transcontinental highway, which passed through Fort Wayne, and to the nearby Lincoln Life Insurance Company, founded in the same year.

The bank's president, Charles Buesching, who was an immigrant from Germany, envisioned a skyscraper that would serve as a monument to the German immigrants who had settled in the area. He commissioned Alvin M. Strauss, a Fort Wayne architect, to design the building, with Buesching and Hagerman as the contractors. Construction began on August 16, 1929, just before the stock market crash that heralded the Great Depression. Despite the economic downturn, the $1.3 million project pressed on, and the Lincoln Bank Tower was completed in 1930.

Architectural Marvel

The Lincoln Bank Tower is a striking example of Art Deco architecture, a style characterized by its bold geometric shapes, rich materials, and intricate detailing. The building's façade is clad in 21,250 cubic feet of Indiana limestone and granite, with accents of golden highlights that catch the sunlight. Seven bronze panels at the main entrance depict scenes from the life of President Abraham Lincoln, adding a touch of historical significance to the structure.

One of the most impressive features of the building is its use of materials. The structure incorporates 1,774 tons of structural steel, 500 tons of marble, and a 58-ton terracotta crown that tops the building. The interior is equally opulent, with a lobby that spans 26 meters in width, 34 meters in length, and two stories in height. The lobby is adorned with large Art Deco murals that represent various industries and seasons, drawing on Greek and Egyptian symbolism to convey themes of fertility and energy.

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Exploring the Lincoln Bank Tower

Visitors to the Lincoln Bank Tower are greeted by a grand entrance that sets the tone for the opulence within. The lobby, a masterpiece of Art Deco design, features hand-forged bronze, Milford granite, Italian travertine marble, and various types of green marble from Vermont. The original 1930 soda fountain, still in use, adds a nostalgic touch to the space.

The building's upper floors offer stunning views of Fort Wayne and the surrounding area. At the very top, a slender observation tower provides a panoramic vista, crowned by a flagpole that completes the building's elegant silhouette. The tower's design was inspired in part by the Tribune Tower in Chicago, another iconic example of Art Deco architecture.

A Landmark Through the Ages

For decades, the Lincoln Bank Tower was the tallest building in Indiana, a title it held until 1962. It remained the tallest building in Fort Wayne until the construction of the National City Center (now PNC Center) in 1970. Over the years, the building has seen various changes in ownership and occupancy. In 1995, the Lincoln National Bank and Trust moved to new facilities, leaving the tower largely vacant. It was sold at a sheriff's auction in 1997 and purchased by Tippmann Properties in 1998, who began a careful restoration process.

Today, the building is home to the Old National Bank, which acquired Tower Bank in 2014. The bank's presence ensures that the Lincoln Bank Tower remains a vibrant part of Fort Wayne's financial district. The building also serves as a backdrop for various cultural events and has even appeared in films, such as Neil LaBute's In the Company of Men (1996).

A Visit to Remember

Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Lincoln Bank Tower offers a fascinating glimpse into Fort Wayne's past and present. Its towering presence, intricate design, and storied history make it a must-visit destination in the city. As you stand before this magnificent skyscraper, you'll be transported back to a time when ambition and artistry combined to create some of the most enduring landmarks of the modern age.

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