The quintessential German-built commercial building, the Merchants Bank building has benefited from a brick and window facelift.
The Victorian-Gothic architecture was built in 1889 to house the Merchants Bank, an important financial institution in the formation of the capital city. And it was recently preserved by the current owner Central Bank, said spokesman Jim Crabtree.
The October 2011 Golden Hammer Awards was presented by the Historic City of Jefferson to Central Bank, care of Jim Crabtree, for the restoration work at 101 W. High St.
"This building, in the city's historic center, has been a fixture at the corner of High and Jefferson streets for more than a century," said Deedie Bedosky, selection committee chairman.
"Just a few years ago there was concern that it would be demolished and now we are celebrating an amazing restoration done with a high-standard of integrity and quality."