Nonpareil Building Restoration

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Client:
J. Development Company

Schemmer was initially retained to conduct a facility assessment of the once Nonpareil Building to determine its adaptability for other uses. Council Bluffs Savings Bank desired to be located in the historical facility and preferred the south addition be demolished to make way for a small parking lot and bank drive-thru lanes. Schemmer's design accommodated the bank's functions on the first floor of the historical structure with additional offices on the second floor. The basement houses the break room, public restrooms and storage. The demolished south addition would create a large gap in the "urban wall" facing Bayliss Park. Schemmer's design created an entrance to the parking and bank drive-thru that symbolizes the urban wall with elements of scale, materials and in character with the original Nonpareil Building. The original building façade was restored as closely as possible to the original. The resulting project has enlivened the street and quality of the entire block facing Bayliss Park.