GPS City GuideAnn ArborFirst National Bank Building

Stop 5 of 34 · Ann Arbor audio walking tour

First National Bank Building

downtown Ann Arbor · 1930 · Ann Arbor's Tallest Building

What you'll hear here: about a minute on First National Bank Building — how it came to be, who it mattered to, and what to look for while you're standing in front of it.

At the corner of South Main Street, ten stories rise above you at 201-205, marking the First National Bank Building. This Romanesque Revival structure was designed by the local firm Fry and Kasurin. The bank at the heart of this story was established in 1863 as the first bank in Washtenaw County.

Construction here began in 1927 and the building was completed in 1930; on completion it was the tallest building in Ann Arbor. For years the tower housed the bank and a number of prominent local professional firms. In 1936 First National merged with two other financial institutions and vacated the building; the former banking offices were converted into retail space.

Later, First Martin Corporation purchased the property in 1981 and completely renovated the entire structure in 1982. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 24, 1982, and as of 2018 First Martin owns and operates the building. Ten floors climb above you here, flanked by rear wings of two and five stories, at the address that once made this the tallest building in Ann Arbor.

Where it is

Coordinates
42.28, -83.74833
Area
downtown Ann Arbor
Era
1930 · Ann Arbor's Tallest Building
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Three stops free. No account needed. The audio plays itself as you walk.