Gemas arquitectónicas desveladas: Marzo de 2026

Many of you may have noticed some action at the corner of Washington St. and Courthouse Square in recent weeks. A truck here or there, the sounds of a jackhammer crunching concrete, disembodied staircases making their way to a dumpster… These are the telltale signs that construction is officially underway at the Farmers Banking and Trust Building!

We at Montgomery History couldn’t be more thrilled at the tangible signs of change inside the 1930s Art Deco bank. One of the most exciting reveals so far has been uncovering the original marble flooring in the lobby that has been covered by carpet since at least 1980.

BEFORE: The main floor lobby prior to any demolition. Most of this infrastructure has come out, as well as the carpet.

DURING: The marble flooring finally revealed! The 1930 version of the lobby had wide teller counters on either side, so the marble only exists on the middle 1/3 of the floor space.

AFTER: Main lobby following the initial demolition phase— marble and vault now covered over for protection, counters removed.

BEFORE: The third floor office spaces contained paneling, drop ceilings, and old carpeting throughout.

The demolition involves taking out material that was added during remodeling efforts in the 1980s and after. Items that are being removed include many added walls put up to create more offices on the third floor, era-defining knotty pine paneling, drop ceilings incorporating fluorescent light banks, and other non-original retrofits. Removing these eyesores is necessary to uncover the architectural gems hidden beneath.

DURING: Demolition included taking ceilings down, removing paneling, and opening a few walls. The glue globs covering the ceiling needed to be excised with a jackhammer, one at a time, as demonstrated by the worker on the ladder.

AFTER: View on the third floor following demolition: all ceilings clear, carpet gone, un-needed walls removed. This will be the new reading room of the Montgomery History research library!

As demolition takes place, the contractors have taken great care to protect the historic elements that Montgomery History is committed to preserving: the bank vault and the marble floor for starters. These elegant features, along with the historic transom windows, the original chandelier, and various other Art Deco elements, will be preserved and restored in time for the opening of the Montgomery History Center in September.

We hope you’ve enjoyed these photos giving you an insider’s view into what is happening at the bank. If you have any questions, or want to learn about naming opportunities, please contact Director of Development Brenna Ryan at BRyan@MontgomeryHistory.org.