Remarkable isn’t it? The Lynn Bank Block stands before you a testament to resilience. This impressive three-story building at 21-29 Exchange Street in Lynn Massachusetts isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a survivor a symbol of a city’s rebirth.
The Lynn Bank Block holds a special place in Lynn’s history. Constructed in 1891 it rose from the ashes of a devastating fire that ravaged the city’s business district in 1889. Most buildings rebuilt after the fire were Romanesque Revival style. The Lynn Bank Block however was different. It was the first Colonial Revival structure in Lynn a bold choice for a city eager to rebuild and reinvent itself.
Two prominent institutions the First National Bank of Lynn and the Lynn Institution for Savings shared this space. One bank on each side of the building. They co-existed peacefully within these walls. Imagine the bustle the transactions the whispers of financial futures exchanged here.
The building’s architect James T Kelley designed a stunning facade. A large central entry section boasts an arch framing a recessed doorway. A Palladian window sits proudly above flanked by elegant columns. Three window bays extend gracefully on each side of this central feature. Indiana limestone forms the rusticated stone facade embellished with low-relief Italian Renaissance style carvings. Beautiful and strong it mirrors the city’s own spirit.
But the Lynn Bank Block’s story doesn’t end in 1891. For decades it housed more than just banks. The building served as the headquarters of LynnArts a local arts organization celebrating Lynn’s creative energy. It also housed the legendary WFNX an independent alternative rock station. For almost thirty years from 1983 to 2012 WFNX’s music filled these halls. Both LynnArts and WFNX used the address 25 Exchange Street. This building truly embraced multiple facets of Lynn’s cultural identity.
In 1982 the Lynn Bank Block earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. A fitting tribute to its architectural significance and enduring legacy. This building has witnessed Lynn’s triumphs and its resilience through hardship. It whispers stories of financial dealings musical innovation and artistic expression. It is a living piece of Lynn’s history a building that has lived many lives and continues to live today.