Turning an old bank into a work of art is quite the task.

After doing so with La Banque de Fleuve in downtown Havre de Grace, The Conits Group was honored recently with an Historic Preservation Award from the Maryland Department of Planning and the Maryland Historic Trust.

The St. John Street special events facility was honored for "Excellence in Commercial Rehabilitation." 

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The following statement is from the Maryland Historic Trust on the award:

"For more than fifty years the First National Bank was an important part of daily life in Havre de Grace. After closing its doors in 1958, the building served as host to several different retail shops before becoming the elegant venue that it is today. La Banque de Fleuve, translated as 'The Bank on the River' is a fully restored building located in the heart of Havre de Grace overlooking the Susquehanna River at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Restoration of this unique structure required over 18 months of planning and construction. Prior to rehabilitation, the building was in serious disrepair. Great care was taken to preserve historic features including the original mosaic entryway, historic mahogany windows, doors and moldings, plaster cornices, and marble wainscoting. Modernized bathrooms and HVAC systems were installed, as was an ADA ramp for wheelchair access. The building now stands as an asset to the streetscape of downtown Havre de Grace."

Specifically mentioned for the project are the following individuals with the Conits Group: Nick G. Conits, Rita St. Clair, Kimberly A. Barth, and Brian Thim.

La Banque de Fleuve was recognized in May 2011 with a Havre de Grace Historic Preservation Commission award.

TELL US: Have you visited La Banque recently? Have you held an event there? Leave a comment.