The former building of the Home Bank and Trust Company, at 16 Colony Street in Meriden, was built in 1922. Originally chartered as the Home Bank of West Meriden in 1854, the bank was first located in the Collins Block, which was later destroyed by fire (the Hall & Lewis Building occupies the site now). In 1863, the bank moved to its own building, at the corner of Colony and Church Streets. Abiram Chamberlin, president of the bank, who served as Governor of Connecticut from 1903 to 1905, lived on the second floor of the brick building. The 1863 building was moved around the corner to make way for the 1922 building, designed by the firm of McKim, Mead and White. The bank became Shawmut Home Bank in 1987 and the following year was acquired by Connecticut National Bank. Today, the former bank building is home to a nightclub. Here are pictures of some other interesting commercial buildings in downtown Meriden: first, the building with a 1930s Art Deco front at 9 Colony Street, followed by an 1892 Romanesque Revival-fronted building at 51-53 Colony Street and finally the Yost Block at 53 West Main Street, which was built in 1893:
Was the Home Bank really designed by McKim, Mead & White?? I had no idea, that’s huge! Do you know where you found that info? Now I have some new research to do…
It was mentioned on this page of the Arcadia Press book on Meriden. http://books.google.com/books?id=Buady33GVUIC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA32#v=onepage&q&f=false
Remember that by the time it was built, McKim and White were long dead. I don’t know who in the firm designed it.
…Nevermind, I just found the reference in my friend’s book on Meriden. But thanks for including this, I’m blown away!
I have a plaque with a reproduction of currency issued by the home bank of west Meriden ct when it was first chartered in 1854 I am thinking of selling it but can’t seem to find a price can anyone help?
Hope they can update this info. The building has been home to “Silver City Ballroom” wedding venue since 2016. The building was restored to its original grandeur.