The History of the Central Bank Building

Another great video of the history of the Central Bank Building. https://youtu.be/C2IPWEGBdBs

The Virginia Hotel Building Restoration

I remember this building when it was used as a state office building. At the time, I marveled at the white marble staircases and knew there was a jewel hidden beneath all those dropped ceilings! Vantage has done an incredible job of restoring the Virginia to it's former glory! https://youtu.be/ggD2hPadH0g

The Grand Lobby of the Ouachita National Bank

https://youtu.be/wnYK1vcN9p4

The History of Vantage Tower

Vantage did a great history on the building they now occupy on DeSiard Street! Many long time residents remember it as the Ouachita National Bank. https://youtu.be/bgxy9CKrHc4

The Lotus Club, circa 1925

The below page comes from a magazine called "Monroe "Life"", published around 1925. It shows a photo of the interior of the Lotus Club, which is still operating at the top of the ONB building, known today as the Vantage building. The history written with the photo is quite interesting!

Monroe National Bank Building

From the May 13, 1893 Worlds Fair Edition of the Monroe Evening News. The above building was built in 1889 on DeSiard Street at the head of First Street, now Walnut. It was directly behind the Breard Mercantile. The bank later moved to St. John. It is unknown when the building was torn down but … Continue reading Monroe National Bank Building →

Art Alley in 1927

This was taken from the News-Star building in 1927 by Griffin. At the time, this street was known as 2nd Street, but is now known as Art Alley. Most prominent in the shot is the construction of the Bernhardt building, now known as 141 Lofts. You can see the Palace Department store on DeSiard, known … Continue reading Art Alley in 1927 →

DeSiard Street 1920’s

And this is nearly the same shot, but about ten or so years later. Notice the Vantage building is going up in the distance. De Siard Street, Looking West. Monroe, LA

Interior of the Ouachita National Bank

The above is a beautiful interior shot of the ONB building, now known as the Vantage ONB Building. It was built in 1921 as an Italian Renaissance style skyscraper. It was the tallest building ever built [in Monroe] at that time.