People’s Bank Building, Jackson: 110 Years Old in 2027

Celebrating 110 years in 2027, the Peoples National Bank Building, still stands and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The only thing is – it didn’t last very long as the Peoples Bank.

Located at 101 E. Michigan Ave. in Jackson, the Peoples National Bank began life in 1865 as the only national bank in Jackson. It lasted quite a while – 51 years in fact – when in 1916, the building was torn down and a new one was built. The new Peoples National Bank building opened in 1917.....but just 12 years later, that was it for the name. In 1929, Peoples merged with National Union Bank and was turned into Union & Peoples National Bank.

The new bank ended up vacating the building in order to construct an even newer structure. According to Wikipedia, “the new eventually became part of the then newly established Guardian Detroit Union Group, Inc; this entity suffered substantial losses during the Great Depression, was declared insolvent and closed in 1933, and never re-opened.”

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The empty bank became busy again in 1931 when the Elaine Shop, a women's clothing store, moved their business from East Michigan Avenue into the old bank.

The Elaine Shop was where all the ladies from Jackson and surrounding areas came to buy. By 1946, they had filled every floor in the building with more and more merchandise. All good things have to come to an end, and by 1971, Elaine was closed permanently.....well, sorta.

At least the name was saved, and the building became used as Elaine Apartments.

Scroll down a way to see a few old photos of the former Peoples Bank Building..