Lincoln Bank, 1930
116 East Berry St., Fort Wayne, IN
Architect/Designer: Alvin M. Strauss
Description:
The Lincoln Bank Tower is the crowning jewel of Fort Wayne, with marked simplicity the structure rises 22 stories in seven tiers. The clean lines and modern style present a grand skyscraper that features striking art deco details. The base of the tower occupies two stories and features a large two story gilded entrance with strong art deco designs. The main shaft of the tower is Indiana limestone, with intermingling of terra cotta particularly on the upper portion of the building. A considerable amount of gilding is used with the terra cotta, presenting a treatment that is colorful and unique. The Lincoln Tower is one of the first examples of this gilded terra cotta technique and has aided its standing as an icon in Fort Wayne. At the top of the building is a slender observation tower topped by a flagpole bringing the entire height to 312 feet.
Significance Statement – including special status and awards won:
Built to rival Chicago’s Tribune Tower, The Lincoln Tower is a 22 story art deco masterpiece and remained the tallest building in Indiana until the early 1970s. A testament to American progress, construction broke ground on the tower two months after the stock market crash of 1929 and construction was finished within a year.
Designation status:
None
Style: Art deco
Owner (past/present):
Past: Lincoln National Bank and Trust
Present: Tippmann Group
Materials:
Granite, Indiana limestone, terra cotta ornament
Additions and/or changes with date:
1995, restoration of exterior and interior
Historic use/current use:
Historic use: Bank administration
Current use: Commercial office space
Is building open to the public?:
Yes, reservations and tours required
Condition: Excellent
Website and/or sources of information
Tour information: http://www.visitfortwayne.com
Sources:
Indiana Landmarks. “Fort Wayne’s Lincoln Tower.” February 13, 2012. Accessed July 29, 2015. http://www.indianalandmarks.org/NewsPhotos/Pages/WhereWeLiveArticle.aspx?NewsID=703
Haas-Zuber, Connie. “Lincoln Tower Rises Above Its Times.” Fort Wayne Monthly, November 30, 2010. Accessed July 29, 2015. http://fortwaynemonthly.fortwayne.com/?q=article/lincoln-tower-rises-above-its-times
