#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.
#CONNECTED
From the wrought iron balcony of the 1859 Isaac Miller House, hundreds of stories have unfolded – and they continue to emerge, highlighting unique Southern family legacy and innovative founders’ history.
#SPIRITED
Built in the 1850s, the riverfront warehouse property and its sister warehouse property at 101 Francis were purchased by Pastor Doyle and his congregation at Restoration Church in 2012.
#IRON-WILLED
There’s a lot to love about St. Joseph’s Southside. This tight-knit community is on pace for a major comeback.
#INTEGRITY
For decades, families across America invited Walter Cronkite into their living rooms every evening, trusting he would bring national and world events into focus. With his deep voice and warm demeanor, Walter Cronkite delivered the news of the day — good and bad — with unfaltering dignity and integrity.
#POWERFUL
More than a decade of service later, the program continues to grow. Most of the kids who live in this St. Joseph neighborhood receive free or reduced priced breakfast and lunch during the school year, but have limited food resources in the summer.