National Bank Block

National Bank Block. . , Built in 1875 by the Monroe County Bank, this is one of the least altered Italianate buildings in Albia. The store front features elegant Corinthian columns, especially appropriate on a chamfered entrance. The cast hoodmolds on the first floor are relatively simple and follow the shape of the segmental arched windows. Those on the second floor are flat with rounded corners, embossed design, keystones and labels. Brick pilasters are used to define the limits of the store fronts at the second floor level and are topped by a corbeled brick cornice. The structure is capped by a pressed metal cornice with pediment over the chamfered corner. , The south third of this block was the home of three different local banks between 1875 and 1920. The first was the Monroe County Bank, which actually built the block. Second was the Albia National Bank and the last to occupy it was the First National Bank. The rest of the block was used for such things as a grocery store, post office and news, drug store, butcher shop and office. The basement housed a barber shop for a good number of years. , The building is owned by the Robert T. Bates Foundation. Mr. Bates was instrumental in the restoration of the Albia business district an upon his death in 1995 established a $2.5 million foundation for the purpose of preserving historic property in Albia and Monroe County. , Please proceed to 21 North Clinton Street..