UNCOVERING A HIDDEN GEM IN THE HEART OF FAYETTEVILLE Former bank on the square restored to former glory. BY LISA KNEMEYER SKILES WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY ALBERT SKILES
I ALBERT SKILES
BEFORE
34 | BLOCK, STREET & BUILDING VOLUME 8 | 2022
n 1964, the building at 26 W. Center on the Fayetteville Square was “renovated” with a Mid-Century Modern screen that covered the original structure. Only by looking carefully could one perceive the vague outlines of arches behind the screen. In the summer of 2018, the building’s new owners and their architects began a journey to reveal the masonry masterpiece that had been hidden for over 65 years. Generations had come and gone without knowing there was an exquisite Richardsonian Romanesque jewel right in the middle of town. From its beginning in 1898, this grand edifice served as a robust venue for a variety of businesses and professional offices. Archival photos and recollections of longtime residents spoke of the vital role that 26 W. Center played in the cultural and civic life of Fayetteville. Almost 25,000 square feet were filled with three stories of bustling enterprises that included a drug store, general dry goods store, realty company, and dental and architectural offices, among others. From 1924 to 1981, the ground level anchor tenant was First National Bank. When the restoration began, the building was vacant and not suitable for habitation given its lack of fresh air, daylight and circulation, as well as its
ALBERT SKILES
26 W. Center’s renovated elevations
