About the Bank
WNB Financial’s downtown office in Winona, Minnesota, is one of the most architecturally significant financial institutions in the Midwest. Completed in 1916 and designed by the renowned Chicago architect George Maher—a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright—the building is a rare and masterfully preserved example of Egyptian Revival style with distinct Prairie School influences.
Known as a “decorated bunker,” the structure was designed to project strength and stability during an era before the FDIC. Its interior is a virtual museum, featuring white Italian marble, Tinos Green marble counters, and a massive 22-ton steel vault. Most notably, the building houses an extraordinary collection of original stained glass windows and fixtures created by Tiffany Studios, designed by Maher to incorporate his signature “motif-rhythm” theory, specifically utilizing the American lotus flower.
Our Work
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of this historic building in 2016, Willet Studios was commissioned to create a commemorative “Tiffany-style” stained glass window. The goal was to honor the bank’s century-long legacy while seamlessly integrating with the original artistry of the landmark sanctuary.
Design and Symbolism The 4-by-5-foot window was meticulously designed to harmonize with the existing 1916 Tiffany glass:
- The Central Medallion: At the heart of the window is a detailed medallion depicting the historic bank building and a vault lock. This imagery serves as a dual tribute to the bank’s architectural heritage and its long-standing promise of security and financial longevity.
- The Lotus Border: Echoing Maher’s original Prairie-style motif, the window features a lush border of lotus flowers. In Masonic and architectural symbolism, the lotus often represents enduring growth and renewal—a fitting theme for a centennial celebration.
Artisan Craftsmanship
- Opalescent Glass Palette: To achieve the iridescent, luminous quality of the original Tiffany windows, our team utilized 1,923 individual pieces of opalescent glass.
- Historical Integration: Every color and texture was selected to mirror the “Persian blue” and saturated jewel tones found in the building’s 1916 skylights and window walls.
- Legacy Installation: This project stands as a modern tribute to a century of history, ensuring that the bank’s commitment to beauty and service continues to be expressed through the timeless medium of stained glass.
Resource
WNB Financial Official History: wnbfinancial.com/bank-history
