The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-01-15
A BIC new HOME.
Bank of Topeka will Erect
Large Building.
Giles Property LIS Purchased
for That Purpose.
MORE ROOM NEEDED.
Will Give Institution Fifty Foot
Frontage.
lore ROOM NEEDED.
New Structure, a Handsome
Modern Office Block.

A modern bank building, at least four
stories high and probably six, will be
erected by the Bank of Topeka at its
present location, Sixth and Kansas av-
enues.
The Bank of Topeka has been nego-
| tiating for some time for the purchase
of the building adjoining it on the north
and occupied by the Topeka Spice mills.
The building is owned by E. d. Giles.
These negotiations have assumed def
mite form and the transfer of the pro-
perty to the bank is about to take place.
Both buildings, the present one occu-
pied by the bank on the corner and the
Giles building are to be leveled to the
ground, and stately office and bank
building will rise on the location. A
meeting of the directors of the bank
was held yesterday afternoon and it is
understood that the decision to pur-
chase the Giles property was arrived at
at that time.
John r. Mulvane, president of the
bank, refused to give out anything this
had taken place yet though stating
that it was not improbable that such
a purchase might be made. Mr.. E. D.
said: II was in hopes nothing would
get out. 1 don't like to say anything
about 1t. 1 don't know just how far
negotiations have progressed. Go and
talk to Mr.. Mulvane.'
We have been trying to purchase
that property for the past ten years.
said Mayor w. H. Davis, one of the
don't know whether the bank has fin
ally got 1t or not but 1t is something
which we have desired for long time
The bank needs more room. 1t needs
it badly. The clerks are in the base
ment, up stairs and all over the whole
building. 1t is getting too small and
have been in favor of leveling both
of the buildings and putting up a mod
ern building
The only thing which stands in the
way of a formal transfer it is stated is
the examination of the title to the
property. 1t is said on good authority
that there is but small question but
what the title is entirely clear and that
following the examinat ton the sale will
take place.
Plans for the proposed new build
ing have not been entirely developed
but the new building will be at least
four stories high. equipped with two
passenger elevators and represent the
most modern character of construc-
ton. The bank plans to occupy both
numbers, the corner and that adjacent.
The space is pitifully cramped under
the present occupancy by the bank and
sometimes during the heaviest rush OF
Saturday before closing hours 1T is al
most impossible for those transacting
business to wedge their way in. The
lines leading to the windows of the
receiving and paying te1lers back right
up to the door and the new Corners are
either forced to turn away or linger
out on the steps. The clerical force of
the bank is handicapped because of In
sufficient room and a large number
have quarters in the basement of the
building with facilities which are not
the best. The location is one of the
most desirable in the city and office
rooms would be eagerly sought after
by lawyers and others who demand a
location which is immediate to the
center of the business district of the
city The bank building has always
had profitable tenants and the rooms
are always snapped UP quickly when
ever a vacancy occurs.