Montana Historical and Architectural Inventory (Site #167)

Physical Description:

A commercial two-story light colored common bond brick building with high parapet capped with a sheet metal corinthian cornice replete with modillions, a narrow sheet metal frieze, and no entablature. The flush brick wall recedes into two planes below the frieze forming pilasters and a recessed field for windows and the remaining wall. The recess is framed by pilasters and five repetitive corbel tables approximately four feet above the second floor window heads. A continuous cut stone "blocking" course occurs over the rectangular windows on both levels and a cut stone string course occurs at the window sills at both levels. Pilasters have dressed stone accents that align with the blocking course. A projected (high relief) neoclassic entry flanked by Ionic columns with a simply detailed rectangular pediment above enlivens the Main Street elevation of the building on the upper left side of the façade. Upper floor windows are original double hunt wood sash with transom above; lower floor windows have been replaced with glass block and an embossed metal "sunburst" filler panel at the transom level. The glass and doors of the projected entry have been replaced with contemporary materials. The foundation is sandstone, the back wall is concrete.

This structure qualifies for register listing under Criteria c. It makes a very positive architectural statement of commercial architecture along Main Street and is the anchor for the block between Fourth and Fifth Avenues along the northwest side of the street.

Classification: Second Renaissance Revival influence is predominant.

Historical Significance:

This property is significant because it reflects patterns of development in Lewistown and is associated with persons important in local history.

The Empire Bank & Trust Company was organized in February of 1907 and became Lewistown’s third banking establishment. The organizers were R. B. Thompson, M. L. Woodman, George W. Cook, John P. Barnes, J. T. Wunderlin, Dr. J. H. Williard, Samuel Philips, J. E. Lane and Frank J. Hazen.

These pioneer entrepreneurs contributed to the development of Lewistown in the fields of business, ranching, gold mining, and real estate and re-invested there gains the further developing the fast growing community.

1908 was a year of "unprecedented growth" in Lewistown and the Empire Bank was considered "a splendid monument to the confidence which the business men of Lewistown have in their city’s future".

The following year John P. Barnes, Samuel Phillips, M. L. Woodman and R. B. Thompson formed the Empire Investment Co. and erected the Empire Building, which adjoins the bank.

Integrity: The basic architectural integrity of the building is intact other than the intrusion of contemporary materials in lower level door and window penetrations. This building is on the original site.