National Register Listing

Industrial Savings Bank Building

a.k.a. Metropolitan Building

432 N. Saginaw St., Flint, MI
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Commerce; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

industry commerce architecture social history gravesites
Michigan is the only state to have two designated "state stones": the Petoskey Stone, which is the state stone of Michigan, and the Isle Royale Greenstone, which is the state gemstone of Michigan. The Petoskey Stone is a fossilized coral that is found primarily in the northern Lower Peninsula, while the Isle Royale Greenstone is a rare mineral found only on Isle Royale in Lake Superior.
Michigan random facts
Genesee County, located in southeastern Michigan, has a rich and colorful history that spans over two centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Ojibwa and the Ottawa, who utilized the fertile land for hunting and trading. The county takes its name from the Genesee River, which means "pleasant valley" in the Seneca language.

European settlement in Genesee County began in the early 1800s, with the establishment of trading posts and the construction of Fort Saginaw near present-day Saginaw. The county was officially formed in 1835 and its first permanent settlement, Flint, became a major center of industry due to its location along the Flint River.

In the mid-19th century, Genesee County experienced rapid growth and played a significant role in the state's development. The construction of canals and the arrival of the railroad facilitated transportation and boosted agricultural and manufacturing activities. Flint, in particular, became a leading manufacturer of carriages, wagons, and later automobiles.

The county faced significant challenges during the economic downturn of the late 20th century. The decline of the automotive industry had a severe impact on the local economy and resulted in job losses and population decline. However, efforts to revitalize the area have been made through initiatives focusing on diversifying the economy and attracting new industries, as well as investing in education and community development.

Today, Genesee County is a vibrant region that blends its historical heritage with a focus on innovation and progress. It is home to cultural attractions, such as the Flint Cultural Center, which houses museums, theaters, and the Flint Institute of Arts. The county also boasts beautiful natural landscapes, including the Genesee County Parks and the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, providing residents and visitors with recreational opportunities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Genesee County, Michigan.

  • 1813: Genesee County is established as a county in the Michigan Territory.
  • 1819: The first court session is held in Flint, the county seat of Genesee County.
  • 1836: The new county courthouse is built in Flint.
  • 1842: The Grand Trunk Western Railroad is completed, connecting Flint to other major cities in Michigan.
  • 1882: The first automobile is built in Flint by William Crapo Durant.
  • 1905: General Motors (GM) is founded in Flint by William Durant.
  • 1936: The Flint sit-down strike, a pivotal moment in the labor movement, takes place at General Motors plants.
  • 1986: Genesee Valley Center, the largest shopping mall in Flint and Genesee County, opens.
  • 2014: Flint is hit by a water crisis, as lead-contaminated water supply leads to a state of emergency.