Architecture Tour of St. Cloud’s History

Our first stop is on the corner of New York Avenue and 12th Street, where you’ll find what was once the First National Bank of St. Cloud. This narrow building first opened its bank doors in 1910. It was constructed as a two-story Masonry Vernacular structure made from local bricks, and it reflected the traditional style of the area at the time.

Though the bank failed in 1917, the building remained integral to Downtown St. Cloud. Over the years, it hosted various community organizations and businesses, including the People’s Bank of St. Cloud and the U.S. Spanish War Veterans Headquarters. In 1997, the building was meticulously restored to maintain its historic charm. 

The St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, representing more than 400 local businesses, purchased the building and made it their headquarters, where they continue to operate today. Locals and tourists can attend free events and classes held in the building, such as financial workshops. The Chamber also provides valuable community resources, including conference room rentals and a coworking space. In 2023, the building underwent significant renovations, including new paint and carpeting, upgraded appliances and lighting, reconfigured conference rooms, and additional presentation equipment.

What was once the First National Bank building continues to be a hub of activity for Downtown St. Cloud, supporting economic growth while maintaining its historical significance.

Next, we make our way to the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 11th Street, where you can see St. Cloud’s deep Civil War ties through the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Memorial Hall. St. Cloud, also known as "Soldier City," was established as a retirement community for Union veterans. G.A.R. was an organization established to support Union veterans of the Civil War and advocate for their rights and benefits. This G.A.R. post once boasted the second-largest G.A.R. membership in the country, helping veterans connect and receive support. 

Completed in 1914, the G.A.R. Hall was built in a simple commercial architectural style with arched doorways and ornamented iron gates. Today, the hall is used by the successor organization of G.A.R., Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, to promote the preservation of Civil War history. The G.A.R. Memorial Hall remains a key part of St. Cloud’s downtown area. As you walk past the G.A.R. Hall, take a moment to appreciate the history within its walls. This landmark honors veterans who once gathered in this hall and celebrates St. Cloud's Civil War heritage and sacrifices.

Continuing our tour, we head north on Massachusetts Avenue to The Veterans Memorial Library. Constructed in 1922, the library is rooted in the transformative efforts of the Ladies Improvement Club of St. Cloud. This club was an organization led by women for the betterment of the community. 

While leading several civic projects, the club heavily advocated for literacy and held an assortment of books and magazines for public use. This small collection eventually grew, leading to the construction of the Veterans Memorial Library. 

The original architects of the library were Annah Ryan and Isabel Roberts, both pioneering women in their fields. In fact, Ryan was the first woman to earn a master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They designed the library in a Grecian style with a stained stucco exterior finish. Although some parts of the building were replaced for modern amenities, the walls remain the same, made from plaster and horsehair!

For more than 50 years, the building served as the city’s library until it was used by the American Red Cross and other civic groups. It continues to be managed by the now-renamed Woman’s Club of St. Cloud. Although no longer a library, the building was renovated and renamed the St. Cloud Heritage Museum, which currently holds records and artifacts of the city’s history. As you explore the museum, you’ll learn about the building’s fascinating stories from St. Cloud’s past, making it a memorable highlight of your visit.