Commerce Trust Building
Home to a landmark bronze and copper clock, this 15-story skyscraper was Kansas City’s tallest building when it was completed in 1907.
Commerce Trust Building
922 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64106 (Map)
Built: 1907
Architect/Style: Jarvis Hunt // Beaux-Arts
Area: Downtown - Financial District
The Commerce Trust Building, a 15-story tower built in 1907, stands as a testament to Kansas City’s early 20th-century financial growth and architectural ambition. Designed by the renowned architect Jarvis Hunt, the building was originally constructed for Commerce Bancshares, Missouri’s largest bank, and was Kansas City’s second skyscraper, following the New York Life building.
At its opening, the building was the tallest in Missouri, featuring a striking facade of red granite and white terra cotta tiles. The Commerce Trust Building not only marked a significant moment in the city’s architectural history but also played a vital role in the financial and commercial development of Kansas City.
Its historical significance is enriched by its connection to prominent figures such as Harry Truman, who worked in the predecessor building on the same site before his ascent to the presidency.
Architectural Details
The Commerce Trust Building is a distinguished example of Beaux-Arts architecture, a style characterized by its classical three-part vertical block design and elaborate decorative elements.
