Corn Belt Bank Building
Built: 1901
Architect: George H. Miller
About George H. Miller
George H. Miller (b. May 7, 1856—d. March 6, 1927) grew up on a family farm as one of eight children. His education began in the public school system, and by the age of 15, Miller began his career under architects from the Rudolph Richter firm, which at that time was the only one in Bloomington. In 1874, Miller traveled to Columbus, Ohio, working as a draftsman with the Chicago-based firm Fredrick and Edward Bauman, and working alongside architect John Harris.
Returning to Bloomington in 1875, Miller launched a successful career as an architect. He designed prominent buildings such as the Oberketter, Corn Belt Bank, and Livingston buildings, which established him as a leading figure in Bloomington architecture. Miller innovated by introducing modern side lighting systems in school buildings, a technique still in use today.
Beyond architecture, Miller contributed to his community, serving as Bloomington city treasurer, third ward alderman, and chancellor of the local Knights of Pythias chapter. He married Rose Stautz in 1887 and had three children: Kenneth, Raymond, and Sallie. In his later years, Miller faced health challenges, including paralysis from a stroke, leading to his passing in 1927. He is buried in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
Style: Chicago Tall Building (1800-1920)
About Chicago Tall Building (1800-1920)
The result of advances in construction technology which used steel frames to allow buildings to get taller, the Chicago Tall Building style is characterized by the projecting bays, or oriels, that run the length of the building. The commercial style is often marked by a flat roof and a terminating cornice. The façade is organized in horizontal bands and sometimes borrows elements from the Richardsonian Romanesque style with rough stone and recessed openings and from Neo-Classic style using pilasters to create vertical emphasis in the composition
Address: 101 W. Jefferson Street
Brief History:
1901 - Corn Belt Bank built for a cost of $70,000 by the Hayes family shortly after the fire of 1900. This building stands on the site formerly occupied by Adam’s Ark, a local cigar store and hangout, which was destroyed by the downtown fire.
1961 - Bank relocated to offices on the corner of Jefferson and East streets
1961-1975 - Housed clothing store
1975 - First Midstate Inc. took ownership
Restored for First Midstate by Francois & Associates, architects
Architectural Description:
Six-story stone and red brick facade , Chicago Tall Building style, finished off with Richardsonian Romanesque elements.
Oriel windows on both faces of the building extend past the front and side façade adding three dimensionality to the surface of the building. Middle oriel windows on the Main Street façade are curved, while the others are linear, decorated by terra cotta headers.
First floor of Roman brick is ornamented by pilasters with capitals of corn molds and egg and dart motifs. Arched steel windows and entrance penetrate the rusticated surface.
Further dimension is added by rusticated stone, lifting the building from street level and separating the first floor from the upper floors
Shoved brick arches above the second floor window, are a subtle detail, accentuating the window header.
Interesting Facts:
The bank offered a drive-up service at this building in 1952, installing a sidewalk teller window on the Main Street side which allowed customers to park and walk up
The words "Corn Belt Bank" are faint but can still be seen in the red brick between the oriel windows.