Old Second National Bank - Aurora, Illinois - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

"William George, bank president from 1895-1933, selected George Grant Elmslie to execute “a structure that would grow old with dignity and charm, but contain the spirit of a new day in commerce, the arts and the social welfare of the community.” The result is this 1924 building designed by Elmslie in the Prairie style. It reflects some of the best features of this style, particularly the Roman brick masonry with its horizontal emphasis, the elaborate terra cotta ornaments, the stained glass windows in a stylized geometric motif, and the incorporation of sculpture into the design of the building.

An outstanding team of artisans was assembled by Elmslie to execute these details, including Emil R. Zettler, sculptor; John W. Norton, muralist; and Kristian Schneider, who modeled the terra cotta designed by Elmslie. The bank patrons are recognized in Zettler’s bas-relief sculpture depicting the trades in the community, such as farming, animal husbandry, commerce, manufacturing, merchant trade and mining. The mural on the inside depicts the history of the community.

The exterior building configuration demonstrates the Prairie style emphasis on the horizontal, especially the southern elevation with its rows of vertical piers, bands of window openings, and granite base. The front facade’s vertical emphasis is due to the lot configuration, however, it too is broken with horizontal features, such as the spandrels between the windows on the front pavilion, the balcony, and the bands of windows." ~ City of Aurora website

Street address: 37 S. River St. Aurora, Illinois County / Borough / Parish: Kane Year listed: 1979 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering Periods of significance: 1900-1924 Historic function: Commerce/Trade Current function: Commerce/Trade Privately owned?: yes Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Secondary Website 1: [Web Link] Season start / Season finish: Not listed Hours of operation: Not listed Secondary Website 2: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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