Look up when you reach 206 West Fourth Street which is in the heart of entertainment area of Winston. Many of the older buildings have such great character. The Morris Plan Industrial Bank is one of three Beaux-Arts-Style buildings in downtown. Look up at the fruit filled swags above the windows.
In 1925, The building was originally built for the Morris Plan Industrial Bank. They were part of a historic banking system created to assist the middle class in obtaining loans which were often difficult to obtain at traditional banks. The plans/ loans established installment credit for customers. The bank required the borrower to provide references and proof of earnings to earn credit worthiness. After the Great Depression, the banking business changed it's lending requirements. Later, the City National Bank moved in who occupied the space the longest.
In 2000, renovation were completed to bring it up to modern codes and needs.
The beautiful structure has been home to a contemporary furniture store, a development company and a construction company.
The building is quite prominent with it's arch windows and grand presence. It would be ashame not to have it noticed since the banking industry has been a major influence in Winston.
*This concludes your "Talk".
Please take a stroll up to the end of the street.
The next stop is just around the corner to the former Carnegie Library at 311 Cherry Street.