The Riverview Bank Building

By Steve Heriot

[This story can be found on page 63 of the 2017 Otter Tail Lakes Country Destination Guide.]

There’s a phrase that goes, “it’s probably easier just to tear the building down and start all over again”,  but in truth, that’s not always the best decision. Vintage buildings can help preserve the history, aesthetics, and heritage of a neighborhood, and can provide continuity, cultural identity, and a sense of place. The styles and methods of workmanship used on older buildings can give charm and uniqueness to a community, a plus for tourism. In addition, the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction of aged buildings are the ultimate forms of recycling, and can also attract additional investment and economic value, which can change the nature of a stagnant neighborhood.  They also lend themselves to any business that wants to add a little character to their store environment.

Finally, older buildings are just more interesting. Take the Riverside Bank building for example: The building, completed in 1900, was constructed at 21 North Broadway, in Pelican Rapids, which at that time was a 1500-person town in northwestern Ottertail County. It was built along the north bank of the Pelican River, about 150 feet away from the first hydroelectric dam in the area, which first started generating power in 1900. The building was designed by prominent Minneapolis architect Charles S. Sedgwick, who probably rode on the Northern Pacific railroad, and then in a carriage, on his trip up to Pelican Rapids. In the same year Sedgwick built the bank, he also built the village hall, which has recently undergone an award-winning rehabilitation.

Sedgwick designed the bank in the Romanesque Revival style of architecture, which was inspired by the “Norman Style” of the 11th Century, which in itself was derived from Ancient Imperial Rome’s invention of the arch.

The one-story building was skillfully constructed with quality materials. such as limestone, granite, ceramics, acanthus and Greek key molding, egg-and-dart capitals, Kettle River sandstone trimmings, pressed and ornamental brick, encaustic tiling, a tin ceiling, a mahogany interior, and cast iron hardware. The building, equipped with a fireproof vault and steam heat, had a total cost of $5,000.

The bank was built on land owned by Randolph L. (R.L.) Frazee, the bank’s founder and an influential early businessman who bought and sold real estate, served as mayor, and also operated the saw mill, flour mill, and grain elevator. The bank operated under three different names over the years: Riverside Bank, First National Bank, and Ottertail County State Bank.

The Riverview Bank building currently serves as the home of Riverview Place, a gift shop featuring Minnesota-made items, unique home and cabin accents, Scandinavian collectibles, gourmet foods, children and baby gifts, Minnesota-grown flowers, and more.