An energetic group of men with a capital of $20,000 formed the Kansas City Savings association in April, 1865, occupying a small building near the river front at Second and Main streets. The association was the predecessor of the present Commerce Trust company. In 1881 Dr. W. S. Woods, a practicing physician, bought the controlling interest in the bank and became its president. Through a series of mergers and changes in name, the bank eventually became the Commerce Trust company. The new 16-story building, at Tenth and Walnut streets was occupied by the bank in 1907. It was one of the first and finest skyscrapers in the growing city and had many innovations, including a barber shop, beauty shop, high speed elevators and roof-garden luncheon club. One motor car is visible in the picture, but there were not many in Kansas City at the time. Kansas City's first motor car show was in 1907. Throughout the years the handsome building has frequently been modernized, inside and out. It is still the main quarters of the Commerce Trust bank, but now connects with the new 1965 Commerce Tower at 911 Main, so that in effect, the two building are one. Kansas City Times, January 11, 1969.
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