Old Guaranty Bank

The Old Guaranty Bank building is architecturally significant within the context of downtown and Lafayette Parish, because it is the only commercial building lining Jefferson Street with Classical Revival architectural elements. It is also the only historic commercial building in Lafayette Parish that features a classically designed domed pavilion entrance. Other classical revival elements that are normally not found in Lafayette include the ornate brackets under the cornice at the parapet, the lower-story windows with arched transoms, and the flanking Tuscan columns on pedestals. It was built in 1905 for the original Bank of Lafayette, which first opened in 1898 at 217 West Main Street. The 217 West Main Street building is featured in this book on page 4. The Old Guaranty Bank building served its longest use as the downtown branch for Guaranty Bank. Today, it has been adapted to fit current demand as a mixed use building that includes a popular local tavern at street level, and residential apartments on the second floor.