ARCHITECTURE: Built of Missouri limestone, this large rectangular structure is the prime example of Romanesque/Chateauesque architecture to be found in Mid-Missouri. Specific features of importance include the multi-gable roofline which is accented by a tower, turret, arched window openings, elaborate corbels & finials at the secondary entrances & the variety of rich textures composing the wall surface.
These motifs are articulated by the location & setting of the Trust Building as it sits on the NW corner of the Courthouse Square. This location affords a wide view of the building & undoubtedly was a strong element in the choice of architecture as well as the location of the primary entrance at the SE corner.
In June of 1889, the following account was given at the dedication of the commercial club rooms: "The second floor has four large rooms, three reception rooms and a smoking room and reading room. These were connected by folding portiered doors. The walls are hung with heavy hand-forged Lincrusta Walton in gilt and tan relief with a dado in gilt and mahogany. The ceiling and frieze is decorated to softly harmonize in shade. Designers were Fellows and Eastey of 208 South Ohio.
"The floors are covered with the best make of imported Crossley velvet in mahogany shades. There is also a number of Smyrna and Persian rugs. Curtains and drapes are of the finest imported lace and madras furnished by John Walmsley and Minter Brothers. The building illumination is provided by chandeliers of hammered brass with Venetian globes. These were furnished by D.I. Holcomb." The interior work was done by Maurice Barretts Sash, Door, Blinds and Moulding Factory.
COMMERCE/ECONOMICS: In 1886 the Ohio Street Methodist Episcopal Church sold this pivotal lot to the newly formed Missouri Trust Company. Sedalia prospered & banking transactions continued in this building until February of 1932 when the Sedalia Trust Company failed due to the depression. However 6 months later, the lobby & vaults were once more in use when the Sedalia Bank & Trust Company opened its doors. This incarnation lasted until 1948 (or 1950). Several financial ventures operated on the main floor thereafter while many businesses opened and closed on the building's upper levels.
One of the most impressive buildings in Sedalia, this grand example of late 19th century Romanesque/Chateauesque commercial architecture serves to symbolize the economic success Sedalia enjoyed at that time. But a fire in 1997, severely damaged the building. Now, the Friends of the Sedalia Trust is marketing the building at a negotiable price to a qualified developer who can return this architectural icon to its original glory.
These motifs are articulated by the location & setting of the Trust Building as it sits on the NW corner of the Courthouse Square. This location affords a wide view of the building & undoubtedly was a strong element in the choice of architecture as well as the location of the primary entrance at the SE corner.
In June of 1889, the following account was given at the dedication of the commercial club rooms: "The second floor has four large rooms, three reception rooms and a smoking room and reading room. These were connected by folding portiered doors. The walls are hung with heavy hand-forged Lincrusta Walton in gilt and tan relief with a dado in gilt and mahogany. The ceiling and frieze is decorated to softly harmonize in shade. Designers were Fellows and Eastey of 208 South Ohio.
"The floors are covered with the best make of imported Crossley velvet in mahogany shades. There is also a number of Smyrna and Persian rugs. Curtains and drapes are of the finest imported lace and madras furnished by John Walmsley and Minter Brothers. The building illumination is provided by chandeliers of hammered brass with Venetian globes. These were furnished by D.I. Holcomb." The interior work was done by Maurice Barretts Sash, Door, Blinds and Moulding Factory.
COMMERCE/ECONOMICS: In 1886 the Ohio Street Methodist Episcopal Church sold this pivotal lot to the newly formed Missouri Trust Company. Sedalia prospered & banking transactions continued in this building until February of 1932 when the Sedalia Trust Company failed due to the depression. However 6 months later, the lobby & vaults were once more in use when the Sedalia Bank & Trust Company opened its doors. This incarnation lasted until 1948 (or 1950). Several financial ventures operated on the main floor thereafter while many businesses opened and closed on the building's upper levels.
One of the most impressive buildings in Sedalia, this grand example of late 19th century Romanesque/Chateauesque commercial architecture serves to symbolize the economic success Sedalia enjoyed at that time. But a fire in 1997, severely damaged the building. Now, the Friends of the Sedalia Trust is marketing the building at a negotiable price to a qualified developer who can return this architectural icon to its original glory.
