Designed as a prototype for community banks throughout the Midwest, the Central Trust Bank takes its cues from the surrounding prairie landscape, incorporating a planar roof that mirrors the linear horizon line. The bank uses sustainable technologies to control light and temperature, including high-performance glazing and a sunshade that wraps the perimeter of the building.

Project Facts

Completion Year: 2007
Project Area: 3,500 ft²
Number of Stories: 1

Project Awards

2008 • AIA - Chicago Chapter • Distinguished Building Award: Citation of Merit

SOM’s long-term relationship with Central Bank began in the 1960s with the design of a Jefferson City branch that led to subsequent SOM-designed banks. More recently, the bank commissioned SOM to design three branch prototypes to be built throughout the Midwest.

Prototype projects afford a special opportunity to work with a client as they develop and refine a brand. In this project, SOM was charged with creating a model for small neighborhood branches. As part of Central Bank’s brand, the building needed to reflect the company’s commitment to its Midwestern clientele and community. The prairie landscape informed SOM’s design choices and material selection, with special consideration given to sustainable design.

The Central Trust Bank is airy and open, like the land on which it was built. A long, planar roof mirrors the horizon line. The white roof creates a perimeter sunshade around the entire building, reducing heat gain throughout the structure, while high-performance glazing on the windows also regulates temperature.