American Exchange Bank © 2012 Bo Mackison

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.”~ Baba Dioum

The historic landmarks sign on this building says the original building was built in 1871, designed by Madison architect Stephen Shipman. It was constructed of sandstone quarried in Madison and is styled in the Italian Renaissance Revival Style. It was on the site where this building stands (though not in this building) where the first territorial legislature held its meetings.

It is a Madison Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Located across the street from the Wisconsin State Capitol, on a prominent corner of the Capitol Square, the building still sits in the midst of government.

Bank Security © 2012 Bo Mackison

“The past reminds us of timeless human truths and allows for the perpetuation of cultural traditions that can be nourishing; it contains examples of mistakes to avoid, preserves the memory of alternatives ways of doing things, and is the basis for self-understanding…” ~ Bettina Davis

The building was a bank for a dozen decades, and is now undergoing renovation for new tenants. I love all the grill work and the heavy barred windows — this bank was built for security, but with a decorative flair.

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Bo Mackison is a photographer and the owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC. She went to the Farmers Market on the Capitol Square early on Saturday morning. Not only did Bo come home with dozens of colorful photos of autumn veggies and fruits. She also took portraits of several old buildings, she can’t walk past those old architectural details without a few photos.