Bank of Hickory

A North Carolina man turns an old downtown bank into a fashionable home.

Filed under: Home Types, Renovation

Matt Rogers was looking for a safe investment, so he decided to put his money in the bank. But he didn’t open an account, Rogers moved in. The North Carolina attorney fell in love an old bank in downtown Hickory. After buying the building he enlisted some friends who are contractors to help turn it into a beautiful, eclectic home.

Built in 1894, the bank was later occupied by a number of different businesses. Fortunately the vault’s casing was never removed since it was built into the building’s structure. He decided to keep as much of the original interior design and architecture as possible, like the brick and wood paneling in the downstairs area. All the doors are original as well, including their crystal knobs and painted glass etched with the names of old businesses. Rogers says the best thing about the new home is the community around him. He loves watching the downtown area, eating at the bistro next door and just soaking in the atmosphere.