FNB: Updating the Outside

While the interior of the First National Building is probably the most necessary set of improvements the outside of the building is most important for the community.  As one of the most prominent buildings in Montpelier - and located at the central intersection of downtown - the updates to the outside of the building are critical.

The most obvious issue is the windows.  At some point (probably in the 1970s) the old windows were removed, the openings filled in with brick, and smaller windows inserted instead.  Probably the greatest single expense, but also the greatest single improvement, is the installation of new 3' wide by 8' tall replacement windows.

The other obvious need for improvement is the continuous metal cornice.  Installed after the addition to the building - around 1900 and during the tenure of the First National Bank (from which we derived the name for the building) - this cornice has suffered from both deferred and ineffective maintenance.  Significant time and effort will be expended in restoring the cornice to a condition that will last for another 100 years.

The original building seems to have been constructed between 1870 and 1900.  The masonry is old and, in many places, deteriorated.  No part of the building is more deteriorated than the base where the brick wall intersects with the sidewalk.  Decades of rain, snow, ice, and salt have worn their way into the soft brick and caused significant damage.  At some time in the past a thoughtful building owner added pargeting (cement covering) over the base brick to protect them.  Now, however, the pargeting is breaking off...and the brick with it.  In addition to general repairs to the existing masonry we will be replacing the base of the brick walls with split-face block.

In close coordination with the interior work, the updates to the outside of the building will dramatically improve the look and character of downtown Montpelier.

Next: Updating the Way Out