Historic District in Wilmington in New Hanover County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Murchison National Bank Building

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

1. The Murchison National Bank Building Marker

Inscription.
Built in 1914 by J. Henry Miller, Inc., of Baltimore. Designed in the Classical Revival style by architect Kenneth Murchison of New York. Renovated in 1985 by Kuester Development Corp. of Charlotte and Liberty Real Estate Corp. of Boston. This site is the original location of the Cape Fear Club for Men.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 34° 14.267′ N, 77° 56.948′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in the Historic District. Marker is on North Front Street just north of Chestnut Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is mounted above eye-level near the northeast corner of the subject building, facing North Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 North Front Street, Wilmington NC 28401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Peterson & Rulfs Building (within shouting distance of this marker); I. Shrier Lyceum Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bijou Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Vance Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Post Office & Federal Building

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Shrier Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Park Avenue — Post Office Alley (about 300 feet away); Cape Fear Club (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Cape Fear Club

Also see . . .
1. Murchison Building.

In its infancy, the Murchison was considered top-of-the-line. It was heated by two boilers, sending steam heat to radiators throughout the building. It had an onsite artesian well, supplying its own water. Female employees and patrons had a women's restroom on the fourth floor. The second and third floors were provided with gas and electric appliances so that those occupants (mostly doctors and dentists) would have the most modern surgical equipment available. A claim to fame of the 1914 Murchison Building was that it had human elevator operators.

(Submitted on June 18, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. 201 N Front Street – The Murchison.

The Murchison has stood as the tallest building downtown
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

2. The Murchison National Bank Building Marker
(looking north along on North Front Street • marker is on front facade, near northeast corner of the building)
for over 90 years and is an integral part of Wilmington’s history. This iconic high-rise is situated in the heart of downtown, complete with water views and boasting a brick and marble exterior. Built in 1914 as The Murchison National Bank, this fully updated building boasts original terracotta, ample on street parking and nearby garage parking access.

(Submitted on June 18, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Deal for Historic Murchison Office Tower Came With Leasing, Financing Challenges.

Located in the historic district of downtown Wilmington, about 150 yards from the Cape Fear River, the 11-story property features a brick and marble exterior. The building was designed by Kenneth Murchison, an architect based in New York who had connections to the bank's namesake Wilmington family.

(Submitted on June 18, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Murchison Building (<i>east elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

3. Murchison Building (east elevation)

Murchison Building (<i>east entrance</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

4. Murchison Building (east entrance)

Murchison Building (<i>southeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

5. Murchison Building (southeast elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 82 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 18, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.