Posted September 29, 200618 yr The current owner has some big plans for this building. There is a plan to restore the 1st and 2nd Floors as soon as the new tenant finalizes their lease (which should be very soon). The teller cages will remain and be converted to offices (more like cubicles) and the boardroom will become an office. From what I've heard, there seems to be a commitment to keep as much of the historical elements as possible. Later plans include renovating upper floors for residential and office use. Construction start: November 1925 Construction finish: December 1926 Height: 12 stories Architect: Weary & Alford Company of Chicago, IL Builder: W H Horster of Tulsa, OK This bank building was constructed as Lima's "daylight office building" in Lima's booming downtown. It replaced a a three story bank building on the same site. The prospectus explains that the "chief aim has been not how cheap but how good can this building be made for our tenants." The building was envisioned as acting as a "silent partner" for its many physicians, dentists, attorneys, and other professional tenants. Obviously a bank was the main first floor tenant. The banks occupying the space over the years were Lima Trust Company, which mergered in 1931 with First American Bank & Trust to form Lima First American Trust. This bank liquidated in 1933 and on September 9 of that same year, the National Bank of Lima was formed by a group of local businessmen. In 1963 it was purchased by First National Bank and Trust. The bank was purchased in 1975 by Huntington National Bank. Huntington vacated the building sometime in the late 80's or early 90's. Exterior It was advertised as bring of fire-proof steel construction, with the exterior of gray Indiana limestone over a base of polished granite. 1st Floor The bank lobby was described as monumental in the original building prospectus, which is still the best description of the vaulted ceiling of decorative plaster, brass fixtures, and marble staircases. Stained Glass Window The stained-glass window on the west end symbolizes the connection of agriculture and manufacturing in Lima's economy. The central figure is a female representation of prosperity and is flanked by an image of a farmer on one side, a factory worker on the other, and a train locomotive below. Now skipping to the 2nd Floor The 2nd Floor boardroom has walls paneled in black walnut. Interesting fact: One of the many features of the building was the burglar "alarm." Inside each teller cage was button near the floor which could be pressed with the foot in case of robbery. This would dispense tear gas through slotted fixtures just above floor level. Interesting fact: As late as 1966, the Federal Reserve of Cleveland would store $14 - $15 million cash in the downstairs vault. Much of this information is from the Allen County Reporter
September 29, 200618 yr Beautiful place. It's gratifying to see that, although it's been in disuse for some time, it hasn't been destroyed by vandals. It's exciting that it will be returned to use.
September 29, 200618 yr I need to get back up to Lima. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
September 29, 200618 yr Somewhat reminiscent of Perrysburg. They turned their old bank into a night club. Very swank.
September 30, 200618 yr Very nice shots...good eye for detail, there, Dffly. That interior is fabulous, esp since it seems pretty intact, too.
September 16, 200717 yr What was your source of this information? Also, is there any new status on it? I am an ex-Lima resident now living in Toledo and I think this would be real exciting for downtown Lima.
April 23, 200817 yr Hum. That is unfortunate, although I'm not too surprised. The alternative buildings need love too, so its not completely upsetting news. It would be interesting to determine the occupancy of Lima's many towers. Weary & Alford also designed the art deco Second National Bank Building in Hamilton--one of my favorite buildings in the city.
April 23, 200817 yr The board room looks just the west room at in my parents house. Same paneling and everything! wow!
April 23, 200817 yr Beautiful building, too bad about its location. I can take this statement two different ways, so before I get all bent out of shape, can you please elaborate?
March 22, 200916 yr Good news on the Schnorff Building: http://www.wlio.com/localNews.aspx?NewsID=10468
July 17, 20177 yr From the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit list released by on December 20, 2016: https://www.development.ohio.gov/files/media/pressrelease/2016%201220%20Awards%20Assist%2018%20Historic%20Rehabiliation%20Projects%20-Round%2017.pdf Lima Trust Building (First National Bank) (Lima, Allen County) Total Project Cost: $19,114,103 Total Tax Credit: $2,355,000 Address: 43 Town Square, 45801 The Lima Trust Building sits in a prominent location in downtown Lima. Constructed in 1926, it housed a bank, offices, and retail spaces but is now almost completely vacant. After rehabilitation, the building will house commercial space on the first floor and 47 one, two, and three bedroom apartments on the upper floors. Historic features such as decorative windows and plaster work, wood trim, marble floors, and original chandeliers will be retained.
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