Bank of Washington

Washington, MO

Mason Contractor: John J. Smith Masonry Company
Architect: Bauer & Associates Architects
General Contractor: H.B.D. Construction Inc.
Suppliers: Richards Brick Company ; United Commercial Cast Stone ; Midwest Block & Brick
Owner: Bank of Washington

Wall System: Cavity Wall: Brick Veneer/Steel Stud

Project Description

The Bank of Washington set a goal to expand the banking facility in its current location while blending the building with the surrounding historical structures and increase the bank’s branding of strength, quality, safety and longevity.

The bank is located in a river town that boasts many masonry structures with old world craftsmanship. The Bank of Washington has been the anchor for this small community since 1877. Through its renovation and expansion, the bank wanted to continue the long standing tradition of quality construction in the community with its use of masonry.

To blend in with the surrounding community, the Bank utilized many design features to compliment the quality craftsmanship of the town. It features herringbone and diamond patterns to add interest. Arch windows were used with stone surrounds that were more common in the days of old before the use of steel lintels. Embedded Roman columns were placed to accent the series of arched windows located on the top floor. To welcome the customer to this fortress of a bank, six courses of soldiers are arched over the entrance. Finally, the concept of water shedding, common in the design of old was implemented to cap the structure using large stone-like glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) with plenty of dental work for added aesthetics.

Outside of the beauty, the advantages of masonry are plenty. The bank wanted to demonstrate its dedication to the community. By using masonry the bank proves to the community that they are here to stay. The bank has well over one hundred and thirty years in branding its image of strength, quality, safety and longevity. Nothing reinforces the bank’s brand of strength better than masonry. Nothing reinforces the bank’s brand of quality better than masonry. Nothing reinforces the bank’s brand of safety better than masonry. Nothing reinforces the bank’s brand of longevity better than masonry.

The path of construction benefited from the use of masonry. The mason contractor was flexible enough to work in different location on the project to accommodate the other trades. And because the bank was open for business during the entire construction process, mobility was a major concern. Speed of construction was vital to the owner due to the fact that the annual parade came down the street and that particular elevation needed to be complete. Again, the craftsmen were able to deliver.

Date of Project Completion: September 2009

Photography by R. Mayer