With some stalled attempts to preserve the Eighth Street Fifth Third bank with its two-story lobby still in its 1928 original People's State Bank glory, it seems likely that this architectural gem will be lost. With the lobby about to be closed after the first week of January, there is still time to step inside to enjoy its architectural magnificence.

The facade of the bank, in elaborate three-story terra cotta decor, makes the bank unmistakable. Inside, the two-story lobby is resplendent with more terra cotta detail.  The ceiling is covered with deep rosettes. The ornate molding is interspersed with deep, bas-relief panels depicting various trades serviced by the bank. The walls of "stone" in impressive blocks and keystones above the tellers and open offices opposite are climaxed in repeated arches. Teller stations and offices are in dark, elaborately finished walnut. Even the floor is special, covered with ceramic tile in muted hues, fired by a famous pottery. Nor could one fail to note the climax to the room, a polished circular foot thick steel door with round steel studs to make the vault impenetrably secure.

What will happen to this magnificent gem, constructed by the local Bolhuis builders in 1928?

One fears that it may fall prey to a typical solution to make a two-story space "pay," i.e., by the construction of a floor spanning the lobby to accommodate more paying office space — and thereby destroying this architectural gem.

One hopes against hope for a buyer interested in beauty, as well as use. But in the next few days, take a break from Christmas buying and step inside to enjoy the beauty which is still there.