The First National Bank building at 131 E Main Street embodies the characteristics of late 19th to 20th century Neo-Classical Revival architecture. Constructed in 1915, it was designed by H.H. Stoddard of Chicago and constructed by the Black Hawk Construction Company of Waterloo. It features a temple front with monumental columns on its primary facade and a full terra cotta side façade. The ten sets of second-floor windows are separated by monumental pilasters and terra cotta parapet caps that run the entire length of the building. After the bank closings of the Great Depression, it became the Fidelity Savings Bank. A remodeling in 1956 replaced the original entrance with the present recessed two-story plate glass wall.
The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
The City of Ottumwa pursued legal action after the property was abandoned by a previous owner and won title to the building. Years of neglect have produced damage to the terra cotta and windows. At the time it was acquired by the City, it was packed floor to ceiling with stuff. Main Street and Ottumwa Historic Preservation Commission volunteers spent nearly a year of weekends cleaning out the building.
The City of Ottumwa, with an HRDP grant, has hired RDG to complete a historic structure report in order to gain a full assessment of the building with the goal of finding a buyer interested in restoring the structure.
