The Townsend Building on the corner of 2nd and Center St. has been a downtown landmark since 1903.
The spot was originally occupied by a wood frame dry goods store. It was replaced by a brick two story building in 1903 and housed the Stockman’s National Bank in the main section and a dry goods store in another.
The building was completely remodeled in 1934 and in the process transformed with a handsome deco and classical revival limestone veneer along with an expansion. According to a plaque in the building’s 2nd St entrance, ornate plaster moldings for the interior were cast and shipped from Denver wrapped in blueprints from other Denver area projects. Some of those moldings can be seen in the lobby.
The building was eventually converted from bank operations into retail space.
According to the historical plaque in the lobby, on May 23, 1985, the structure was set on fire by an arsonist who had stolen checks from retailers in the building. The roof and second floor was destroyed, and the lower floors heavily damaged by water.
The unique building was saved from demolition and reconstructed, and original salvageable items were reinstalled. It now houses retail and offices, including Casper’s independent book store Wind City Books.
