der GERMAN BANK
Built in 1901, this historic building was built to serve the Dubuque German population as The German Savings and Loan. Among the directors of the bank, was Nick Schrup, Sr. At the time, The German Bank Building at 342 Main Street was the most modern and beautiful structure in the South Main Commerce district. The German Bank occupied the main floor and boasted a fireproof vault that stood three stories tall. The remainder of the upper floors offered gracious apartment living. With the outbreak of WW1 came anti-German sentiment and the German Bank changed its name to Pioneer Savings Bank and Trust Company. A year later it was renamed the Pioneer Trust & Savings Bank. By 1933 and another name change the bank closed its doors, a victim of the Great Depression. Since then, many businesses have enjoyed The German Bank Building, most notably fine culinary establishments. While many structural changes have occurred with in the German Bank Building, the original main floor bank vault remains as part of the Bank Bar & Grille.
