B.M. Behrends Bank/ Post Office

Additional Information

The building measures 39? x 50?. It is a two-story reinforced concrete structure with a flat roof. It has a full basement, concrete foundation. Neo-classical revival elements include four large columns with ionic capitals, smooth shaft and an attic base stand at the inset entrance area. A decorative parapet cornice is featured which includes frieze board, bed molding, dentiles, as well as modest facia and crown molding. A decorative parapet is located above the cornice.

B.M. Behrends came to Alaska in the summer of 1887 to prospect for gold. He arrived in Juneau later that year to manage the store owned by John G. Brady, late Governor of Alaska. Eventually Behrends owned and operated a store which handled a variety of goods. ?On the morning of October 9, 1891, I opened the doors of my store in a building on the site of the present Alaska Meat Company,? B. M. Behrends told the Juneau Empire newspaper. ?That same year I bought the southeast corner of Third and Seward and soon moved my business there. Coincidental with the beginning of my mercantile business was the start of my banking business, which at first was merely acceptance of money for safe keeping. In a few years this expanded into various forms of banking.? When Bank of Juneau failed in 1896, Behrends advertised he was in the banking business and a bank has since operated continuously in this location.

commercial

Juneau Townsite Building Survey, City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska, September 1988; http/www.juneau.org/parkrec/museum/forms/digitalbob/index.php; CBJ files