Portal State Bank

The Portal State Bank is nominated under Criterion C deriving its significance from its architectural distinction. It is the only commercial example of Classical Revival style architecture in Portal, and is believed to be the best commercial example in Burke County. The bank has maintained a high level of integrity, because the building has not been structurally modified, and has experienced relatively few alterations. The Classical Revival elements of the building are intact.

Through an informal survey method, each town in Burke County was visited: Larson, Columbus, Lignite, Northgate, Flaxton, Powers Lake, Battleview, Coteau, and Bowbells, the county seat. No commercial buildings were found to exhibit the abundance of the Classical Revival elements or the high integrity of the Portal State Bank.

The Classical Revival style was first popular from c. 1800-1840 in the United States. The style is characterized by the widespread use of the Greek and Roman orders and decorative motifs accumulated from the archaeological knowledge of the previous century. The architecture of this period was conscientiously designed to evoke "literary or historical ideas [of] democracy, liberty, republican government, and civic virtue" (Gowans 89). Literate, sophisticated, professional, elegant, and grand may also be added to this list of descriptive words. Classical Revival was again popular c. 1885-1915, and is also known as the Neoclassical style. The resurgence is considered to be "academic," drawing upon the earlier Classical Revival period, examining it carefully, redefining, and perhaps correcting it according to contemporary attitudes. New buildings were designed using the traditional orders and motifs, but accommodated new functions.

Physically the front facades of Classical Revival style buildings are distinguished by a three-part arrangement of base, column, and pediment or cornice. Symmetry and balance are always present. Heavy ornamental detailing of the Beaux-Arts Classicism was simplified into strong geometric designs. Multiple angles and projections were replaced with broad expanses of plain wall surfaces with simplified, applied ornamentation. Granite, sandstone, limestone, marble, and brick were common building materials, selected for their actual and symbolic permanence.
The Portal State Bank has maintained its dignified Classical Revival elements: sandstone base, Scamozzi order columns, and denticular pedimented cornice. The small building is symmetrical with the entrance balanced with the large window. The monotone beige brick and sandstone facade is permanent, fireproof, and presents a solid, successful image ideal for a community bank.