Turn around.
Note the sense of entry the new City Hall structure provides and the sense of presence it brings to the community. Note some of the landscaping effects that add nature to the setting and soften the mass of brick and stone.
Look to your right at two of the only remaining historic buildings along what was once Front street. Graif�s Clothing is located in a building that was once both a bank and a prestigious office building. Look at the design details on the outside of the building. Go inside, look at what was once the bank lobby, the columns and the coffered ceilings.
Ahead and across Hickory Street is the Ellerbe Building. This was once the First National Bank building until they relocated. This is an example of Prairie School architecture at the early turn of the century. It reflects Louis Sullivan in many details of its design. It was actually designed by Ellerbe and Round Brothers Architecture Firm in the Twin Cities, but the influence of Sullivan is undeniable. Compare this with some of his work in nearby Winona and Owatonna, if you have the chance.
Note the sense of entry the new City Hall structure provides and the sense of presence it brings to the community. Note some of the landscaping effects that add nature to the setting and soften the mass of brick and stone.
Look to your right at two of the only remaining historic buildings along what was once Front street. Graif�s Clothing is located in a building that was once both a bank and a prestigious office building. Look at the design details on the outside of the building. Go inside, look at what was once the bank lobby, the columns and the coffered ceilings.
Ahead and across Hickory Street is the Ellerbe Building. This was once the First National Bank building until they relocated. This is an example of Prairie School architecture at the early turn of the century. It reflects Louis Sullivan in many details of its design. It was actually designed by Ellerbe and Round Brothers Architecture Firm in the Twin Cities, but the influence of Sullivan is undeniable. Compare this with some of his work in nearby Winona and Owatonna, if you have the chance.
Fortunately, this building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1980�s, and therefore was spared from the demolition and reconstruction around it. In 1994, it was incorporated into the Midwest Wireless Civic Center (formerly the Mankato Civic Center).
The Civic Center is a fine example of modern design incorporated into what was the downtown. This facility can change from a basketball, hockey, to a stage floor in a matter of hours. It is expected to make its first $400 profit in 2000.
Walk through the Front Street lobby of the Civic Center, then straight ahead into the outside mall extension leading to the Holiday Inn. In another era Mankato was host to the Saulpaugh Hotel.
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