The Peoples National Bank was organized in 1865, and was at the time the only national bank in Jackson. It was originally housed in a four-story mansard roof building, located at the same location as the present bank building. In 1916, the bank decided to construct a new building, demolishing the old one. The bank hired the Hoggson Brothers firm, of New York City and Chicago, to design, build, equip the building. The New York City firm of Rocker & Vatet were the architects. The new building opened in 1917.[2]
In 1929, Peoples National Bank merged with the National Union Bank to become the Union & Peoples National Bank. The new bank vacated the building, opting to construct a new headquarters. 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.[2]
The vacated banking space in the People's National Building was filled in 1931 when the Elaine Shop, a women's wear store, moved from their original location at 144 East Michigan Avenue after substantially remodeling the space. The Elaine Shop was very successful, and expanded to the second floor in 1943, and the entire building in 1946. However, sales declined by the late 1960s, and it went out of businessin 1971. IN 1972, the building was converted into apartments, known as the Elaine Apartments.[2]
