Discovering Winona's OG Trendsetter: Merchants National Bank

Too cool for school? 😎 Find out how Merchants National Bank in Winona, MN dared to break the mold with its bold, all-American architecture! 🌟

Quick Summary: Merchant’s National Bank Winona

Discover why Merchants National Bank in Winona, MN is not just a bank, but an architectural wonder and a local trendsetter. 🎉

A Historic Marvel: Learn how this bank dared to be different by embracing Prairie School Architecture, a uniquely American design trend. 🌾
A Sense of Place: Understand how the bank’s design reflects and celebrates the very spirit of the Midwest and Winona’s local history. 🏞️
Architectural Ingenuity & Preservation: Discover how groundbreaking architectural choices have been preserved over the years, making this bank a must-see icon. 🌟

An American eagle greets you above the entrance. 🦅 — *An American eagle greets you above the entrance.* 🦅

Merchants National Bank in Winona Has the “It Factor”?

Hey guys, it’s Kitty! 😸

Jack and I have spent a lifetime on the road—first as musicians, then as Emmy-winning documentary filmmakers and TV producers. Now, we’re pouring all that experience into bringing you the best of the Midwest through our podcast, blog and guidebooks.

So what’s on our list for today?

Merchants National Bank in our hometown of Winona, Minnesota. I’ve always known their stained glass windows are really cool, but I had no idea that this building was so important to American architecture. 🤯

I’m taking you with me to explore. Leggo! 🎟

Winona is known as the "stained glass capital of the world." Not too shabby, eh? — *Winona is known as the “stained glass capital of the world.” Not too shabby, eh*?

A Historic Marvel Revisited

Okay, so jump back in time with me. ⏳

It’s the 1900s in America. Business is booming. Newly established industries are turning a mighty profit, and progress is in the air. 🇺🇸

*Breaking ground on 3rd and Lafayette St. A new building with a bold vision.*
*(Digital artwork by Jack and Kitty Norton)*

It’s a time when opportunity is everywhere and we Americans are firmly establishing ourselves as a nation to be reckoned with.

Take that, British Crown! 👊👑

We’re the teenagers who want to make our own way in the new world – one without our old, fuddy-duddy parents trying to squash our vibe. 🤘

We are America. The new progressive nation with the “IT” factor.

All eyes are on us. 👀

So, why continue creating stale buildings that look like a copy/paste version of Europe? No, this is a time for creating something new. Something bold. 😎

Something purely American.

Enter Merchants National Bank in Winona, MN. 🎉

Merchants National Bank from the front. Bold and boxy design elements courtesy of the Red, White and New. 🇺🇸 — *Merchants National Bank from the front. Bold and boxy design elements courtesy of the Red, White and New.* 🇺🇸

Bye, Felicia. Hello, Merchants!

Built between 1911-1912, Merchants National Bank wasn’t your run-of-the-mill financial institution. Unlike other banks of its time that leaned heavily on European designs, this bank dared to be different. 👏

It embraced Prairie School Architecture—a uniquely American design philosophy that Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan popularized.

This style was all about horizontal lines and flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, all to blend in with the natural elements and landscapes of the Midwest. 🌾

Merchants National Bank's stained-glass lights up the night sky. Hues of the bluffs and valleys represent Winona, MN. — *Merchants National Bank’s stained-glass lights up the night sky. Hues of the bluffs and valleys represent Winona, MN.*

The architecture here wasn’t just for show; it symbolized a break from European influence and a move toward American originality. 👋

Cue the cube-like design, earthy materials, and botanical detailing! 😎

A Sense of Place Reimagined

This bank doesn’t just stand out; it fits in with its surroundings. How? By perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the Midwest, the heartland of America. 🏞️

Prairie School Architecture isn’t just a design; it’s an emotion.

Look up! The sky-lit ceiling transforms daylight into a rainbow of colors. 🌈 — *Look up! The sky-lit ceiling transforms daylight into a rainbow of colors.* 🌈

It resonates with the love people have for the open landscapes of the Midwest. The bank’s choice of materials, like brick and terra cotta, pay homage to Winona’s local industries. 🏭

And let’s not forget those artistic touches. 🎨

The stained-glass windows and murals aren’t just decor; they’re a tribute to the local rivers, bluffs, and valleys. In short, the bank tells a visual story of Winona itself. 🖼️💖

Inside the bank, gorgeous murals and earthy colors reflect the Midwestern landscape.🌳 🌊 🌾 — *Inside the bank, gorgeous murals and earthy colors reflect the Midwestern landscape.*🌳 🌊 🌾

Architectural Ingenuity

The Merchants Bank stands as a remarkable example of American architecture’s Prairie School, led by the likes of Purcell, Feick and Elmslie.

Their work was all about breaking norms—they believed a bank could be dignified, functional, and beautiful. And boy, did they deliver! 🌟

Their design includes beautiful opalescent glass walls, a restored skylight, and a ball-shaped vault so heavy it needed special supports! ⚖️

What a big boy! This round vault was so heavy, special supports had to be built to handle its weight. 🏋 — *What a big boy!* *This round vault was so heavy, special supports had to be built to handle its weight.* 🏋

The architectural approach was groundbreaking for its time, challenging conventional ideas of what a bank should look like. ⚖️

Preserving Beauty

Over the years, the building has seen expansions and restorations. Thanks to community efforts and help from the State Historical Society, the original beauty has been lovingly preserved. 🛠

*Merchants National Bank as it stands today at the intersection of 3rd and Lafayette in Winona, MN.*

The place even landed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975! 📜

Future plans stay faithful to the original design, ensuring this gem remains a part of the nation’s architectural heritage. 🤩

➡️ Read about another stained-glass masterpiece right here in Winona: The Basilica of St. Stans. ⛪️ Feeling inspired? You can make your own glass artwork at Rose Colored Glass!

Conclusion: Merchant’s National Bank Winona

From its groundbreaking architecture to its cool vault, Merchants National Bank is a Winona icon you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just a curious traveler, this bank offers a little something for everyone.

Merchants National Bank - design statement of the American Prairie School movement.🌾 — *Merchants National Bank – design statement of the American Prairie School movement.* 🌾

Next time you’re in Winona, don’t just walk by. Step in and experience a piece of living history.📸👣

Know Before You Go

Merchants National Banks is located at 102 East 3rd St, Winona, MN 55987
Lobby Hours: Mon-Thurs. 9am – 4pm / Friday: 9am – 5pm / Closed: Sat. & Sun.
There is plenty of free parking nearby
We recommend a visit to the adorable – and very tasty – Acoustic Cafe less than a block away. Jack and I have performed dozens of concerts there over the years, and they have amazingly yummy sandwiches! Here are some additional restaurant options in Winona.

Where the Heck is Winona, Minnesota?

🎉 Plan your weekend getaway now with our Ultimate Guide from a Local: Things To Do in Winona, Minnesota.

Winona, Minnesota is located in the south-eastern corner of the state. It's our hometown and we're nicknamed "The Miami of Minnesota" probably because of our location (similar to Miami in Florida)...not because of our temps! Hehe. — Winona, Minnesota is located in the south-eastern corner of the state. It’s our hometown and we’re nicknamed “The Miami of Minnesota” probably because of our location (similar to Miami in Florida)…not because of our temps! Hehe.

Best in the Midwest Free Travel Guidebook — *Make the most out of your trip to the Midwest! **Click here** to download for free.*

Go on a Video Tour with Jack and Kitty

Thinking of visiting Merchants National Bank in Winona, Minnesota? 🤔 Join us for a quick tour of this historic spot! ❤️

Merchants National Bank - Historic Gem in Winona, Minnesota! 💕💸

Watch this video on YouTube

Dad Jokes with Jack and Kitty

A man is told the local bank offers mortgages with no interest. The man enters the bank and says: “I’m here to find out about the mortgage.” The Bank manager replies: “I don’t really care.”

Click here for more dad jokes.