#GROUNDBREAKING
German-American Building
July 18, 2017
DEFINITION: Something innovative, pioneering or that has never been done before.
Some of the most important handshakes and loan signings in St. Joseph’s history took place in the German-American Bank Building. Now, the same structure that helped build this city has been rethought by Mosaic Life Care to continue serving a great purpose in our community.
A congenial voice rescues him from the raging sea of doubt swirling in his mind.
“Sir, Mr. Krug will see you now.”
The young entrepreneur rises, collects his derby and brief case, takes a deep breath, and begins the march across the lobby to sign the loan papers.
Transforming the original 1889 floor tile into a stunning art piece that will grace the walls of the new Mosaic Life Care offices in the German-American Bank Building has local artist Jeff Waggoner imagining stories much like the one above taking place on these same tiles years ago…perhaps involving dudes with epic beards like his own.
The century-old tile was found during the recent renovation tucked away in a lower level vault in a 55-gallon drum. So how does one move so many tiles? Waggoner quips, “A bucket at a time.”
He says another unique challenge is that “Things are different sizes. When you’re dealing with repurposed materials, you’re dealing with imperfection. The whole process is a great learning experience.”
“The main lobby is intact. It will look very much like it did in the 1920s.”
Originally created and owned by members of the Krug family to provide financial services to the large number of German-speaking citizens migrating to St. Joseph, Dillon says the building will continue to serve a great purpose in the community.
“Our board looked at it as an opportunity to do two things – provide great space for our people and help with the revitalization of downtown.”
The Richardsonian Romanesque building is full of charm and history. The name Carnegie graces a steel beam on the eastern exterior of the building. Secret stairwells, original brickwork, repurposed marble floors, mammoth bank vaults, ornate details – it’s incredible to think about the man hours and skilled craftsmanship that have gone into this building both past and present.
Waggoner says the importance and impact of such a move by Mosaic Life Care, not to mention the audacity, cannot be overstated.
“There are several companies in the area that would have the ability, but they are the pioneers that decided to make this happen.”
A bold investment with a vision of promise for the future…the German-American Bank Building and its new inhabitants are breaking ground in St. Joseph, MO again.
#PATRIOTIC
When you think of St. Joseph you might automatically think of the Pony Express or the historic architecture, but it’s doubtful many St. Joseph residents can picture the city without the big, gray airplanes that routinely fly over town.
#DELECTABLE
When it’s time for a coffee fix, St. Joseph’s options range from the eclectic to the trendy to the fast and familiar. The coffee culture in St. Joseph continues to expand and thrive, fueled by historic roasters, young entrepreneurs and locals who want to open the doors to a comfortable piece of the city’s relaxed vibe.
#SCENIC
In addition to its paved walking paths, the Parkway features miles of rugged biking and hiking trails and serves as a red carpet to some of St. Joseph’s most interesting places.
#INSPIRING
Dwayne Blakely just has a way. A way with football. With fitness. And with inspiration.
#GUMPTIOUS
One of St. Joseph public schools earliest and most successful students, Huston Wyeth, built in 1918-1922 what was considered a very large country estate located northeast of central downtown. It was called Wyethwood.