People's Savings Bank Building (Detroit, Michigan)

 office building, Neoclassical (architecture), NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, 1900_construction

The only building in Detroit designed by the NY firm of McKim, Mead and White who designed the Rhode Island State House and the West Wing of the White House. It is their only commission in all of Michigan. It was enlarged—doubling its size in 1915—after the Peoples State Bank (the result of the merger in 1907 with the State Savings Bank) had outgrown this building. The addition was designed by Donaldson & Meier.

For many years it was the headquarters of Manufacturers Bank of Detroit and later an office supply store. It was later abandoned for decades before developer Bedrock saved the historic 1900 structure from demolition. It has recently emerged from renovation and retains its arched Roman colonnades, decorative cornices and vast vaults.

Recessed fluted Ionic columns frame the main entrance off W. Fort Street. Large round-arched windows flank the entrance which is surmounted by two figural sculptures representing industry and commerce. The banking room, which extends the full height of the building, is surrounded by an arcade of Ionic pilasters with metalwork that screens the offices. A mural of three women, painted by Thomas Dewing, is over the Congress Street exit.

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