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Ness County Bank building

My first jobs in high school and through college were mostly related to historic preservation. Thanks in part to that, I have a great appreciated for historic architecture and those who work to keep these structures standing.

I guess you could say I “collect” old buildings in that I always strive to document good examples as I travel the state. One of my all-time favorites is the Ness County Bank building in Ness City. Known locally as the “Skyscraper of the Plains,” I think this has to be one of the best preserved exteriors of a nineteenth century Kansas building. It is nearly unchanged in appearance, with the exception of a missing second tower roof, which was apparently lost to a wind storm. Even that was handled gracefully and the current building looks no less impressive for its loss.

Site details:
Ness County Bank Building
Ness City , KS
Built 1888-1890
Architect: Holland and Hopkins, Topeka
Romanesque
Limestone from Ness and Chase Counties
National Register of Historic Places (listed in 1971)
Photo details:
Nikon D700
17-35mm f/2.8 Nikkor lens

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