Farmers and Mechanics Bank (Georgetown)

The Farmers and Mechanics Bank is a historic building in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Constructed between 1921 and 1922, the bank was first the headquarters of the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank. Soon thereafter, it became known as the Farmers and Mechanics Branch of Riggs National Bank. In 2005, the building became a branch of PNC bank.

Farmers and Mechanics Bank
Location at the intersection of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue
LocationGeorgetown, Washington, D.C.
Coordinates38°54′19.4″N 77°03′45.2″W
Built1922
Architectural styleNeoclassical
Part ofGeorgetown Historic District (ID67000025)
MPSBanks and Financial Institutions of Washington, D.C.
Significant dates
Designated NHLDCPMay 28, 1967
Designated DCIHSNovember 8, 1964

History

In 1814, the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank was established by George Corbin Washington and Romulus Riggs at the intersection of M Street and 31st Street. The bank decided to move its headquarters to the intersection of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue,[1] and constructed the present building between 1921 and 1922,[2] across the street from the Potomac Savings Bank. The building occupied the spot of the former O'Donnell's Drug Store.[3]

Side and rear of the bank

In 1928, the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank was acquired by Riggs Bank and the Georgetown location was thenceforth known as the Farmers and Mechanics Branch of Riggs National Bank, which name was inscribed atop the building.[3] The dome and cupola atop the rounded corner portico were gilded with gold leaf in 1961 and remains so today.[4][5]

With the designation of the Georgetown Historic District as a National Historic Landmark District on May 28, 1967, the Farmers and Mechanics Bank in Georgetown became a contributing property.[6]

In 1985, Riggs Bank decided to restore many of its historic bank buildings, including the Georgetown location, returning the interior, which had been extensively remodeled over the years, to more closely model its original design. The neoclassical façade was also refurbished.[4]

When Riggs Bank was acquired by PNC in 2005,[3] ownership of the Georgetown bank was transferred and it began operating as a branch of PNC.[1]

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References
  1. O'Hara, Terence (July 26, 2004). "With Riggs, PNC Buys a Bit of History". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  2. "Farmer and Mechanics of Riggs Bank". DC City Guide. Archived from the original on July 9, 2014. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  3. "Now and a Long Time Ago: M and Wisconsin". The Georgetown Metropolitan. July 6, 2016. Archived from the original on September 1, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  4. Forgey, Benjamin (June 23, 1990). "Classic Designs, Newly Minted". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  5. "National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form: Banks and Financial Institutions of Washington, D.C." (PDF). National Park Service. November 23, 1994. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  6. "National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination Form: Georgetown Historic District". National Park Service. May 28, 1967. Archived from the original on November 24, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2018.

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