From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
United States historic place
The
Farmers and Mechanics Bank
is a historic building in the
Georgetown
neighborhood of
Washington, D.C.
Constructed between 1921 and 1922, the bank was first the headquarters of the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank. Soon thereafter, it became known as the Farmers and Mechanics Branch of
Riggs National Bank
. In 2005, the building became a branch of
PNC
bank.
History
[
edit
]
In 1814, the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank was established by
George Corbin Washington
and Romulus Riggs at the intersection of
M Street
and 31st Street. The bank decided to move its headquarters to the intersection of M Street and
Wisconsin Avenue
,
[1]
and constructed the present building between 1921 and 1922,
[2]
across the street from the Potomac Savings Bank. The building occupied the spot of the former O'Donnell's Drug Store.
[3]
In 1928, the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank was acquired by
Riggs Bank
and the Georgetown location was thenceforth known as the Farmers and Mechanics Branch of Riggs National Bank, which name was inscribed atop the building.
[3]
The dome and
cupola
atop the rounded corner
portico
were gilded with
gold leaf
in 1961 and remains so today.
[4]
[5]
With the designation of the Georgetown Historic District as a
National Historic Landmark District
on May 28, 1967, the Farmers and Mechanics Bank in Georgetown became a contributing property.
[6]
In 1985, Riggs Bank decided to restore many of its historic bank buildings, including the Georgetown location, returning the interior, which had been extensively remodeled over the years, to more closely model its original design. The
neoclassical
facade was also refurbished.
[4]
When Riggs Bank was acquired by
PNC
in 2005,
[3]
ownership of the Georgetown bank was transferred and it began operating as a branch of PNC.
[1]
References
[
edit
]
- ^
a
b
O'Hara, Terence (July 26, 2004).
"With Riggs, PNC Buys a Bit of History"
.
The Washington Post
. Retrieved
November 23,
2018
.
- ^
"Farmer and Mechanics of Riggs Bank"
.
DC City Guide
.
Archived
from the original on July 9, 2014
. Retrieved
November 23,
2018
.
- ^
a
b
c
"Now and a Long Time Ago: M and Wisconsin"
.
The Georgetown Metropolitan
. July 6, 2016.
Archived
from the original on September 1, 2018
. Retrieved
November 23,
2016
.
- ^
a
b
Forgey, Benjamin (June 23, 1990).
"Classic Designs, Newly Minted"
.
The Washington Post
. Retrieved
November 23,
2018
.
- ^
"National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form: Banks and Financial Institutions of Washington, D.C."
(PDF)
.
National Park Service
. November 23, 1994.
Archived
(PDF)
from the original on January 8, 2018
. Retrieved
November 23,
2018
.
- ^
"National Register of Historic Places Inventory ? Nomination Form: Georgetown Historic District"
.
National Park Service
. May 28, 1967. Archived from
the original
on November 24, 2018
. Retrieved
November 23,
2018
.
Media related to
Farmers & Mechanics National Bank
at Wikimedia Commons
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