About The Bank

The History

In the late 1860s, Wilkes-Barre experienced a boom due to new railroads and coal mining expansion. The population grew rapidly, leading to increased demand for infrastructure, housing, and new businesses. Recognizing the need for a savings bank, several prominent citizens embarked on creating the grandest bank in the area. They enlisted the renowned architect Daniel Hudson Burnham, a proponent of the City Beautiful Movement, to design this showpiece—the Miners Savings Bank. Following Burnham’s Beaux-Arts style, the bank was constructed using granite, marble, and white terra cotta tiles. In 1912, the Miners Bank was completed, coinciding with Burnham’s passing. The community celebrated this magnificent structure during a grand open house.

Burnham’s architectural legacy continues to shape American cities and public spaces. His iconic designs include the Flatiron Building in New York City and Union Station in Washington, D.C. The building has gone by many names, from Miners’ National Bank to United Penn and Citizens’ Bank. Today, the former Miners Bank building has transformed. Located in a central business district, It now houses luxury apartments and commercial spaces, notably the architecture firm of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, designers of Bill Gates’s house and the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue. Soon to house  two exciting new venues: Sky Fourteen rooftop, offering 360-degree views of the Wyoming Valley and surrounding mountains, and 8 West – a showcase of the exquisite architecture on the first floor.

The neoclassical style of The Bank radiates history and character in a perfect marriage of historic charm and modern functionality. With an affordable cost of living, and downtown amenities just steps away, The Bank is the ideal place to grow your business, establish your home, or plan your next memorable event. 

Check out this video by Peter Bohlin.