Trustmark chief tells plans for possible lease of space|[08/04/07]

Published 12:00 am Saturday, August 4, 2007

The building that houses Trustmark National Bank, one of downtown Vicksburg’s architectural treasures, might have some new tenants in the near future, the bank’s president said Friday.

&#8220We’re looking for a partner that can lease some space for at least five to seven years,” Jerry Hall said.

The bank, formerly First National Bank, occupies three of the building’s eight floors. It was built in 1907 on the corner of Clay and Washington streets at 1301 Washington St., and, at the time, was the tallest building in Mississippi.

Email newsletter signup

Sign up for The Vicksburg Post's free newsletters

Check which newsletters you would like to receive
  • Vicksburg News: Sent daily at 5 am
  • Vicksburg Sports: Sent daily at 10 am
  • Vicksburg Living: Sent on 15th of each month

A local law firm, now called Wheeless, Shappley, Bailess & Rector, has used the building’s top floor since it was built. The firm was originally begun in 1878 as Birchett & Gilland. In 1892, the firm became Birchett, Shelton & Brunini, and later, Brunini, Everett, Grantham & Quin and, in 1973, Brunini, Everett Beanland & Wheeless. Throughout the years, the name has continued to change to reflect the principals of the firm.

Hall didn’t say whether the law firm would have to move its operation as a result of the proposed deal. He said none of the details are complete, but could become final in the next week or so.

&#8220Nothing is firm,” he said. &#8220But we’ve had some serious talks.”

The building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, cost $225,000 to build in 1907, said Nancy Bell, director of the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation. According to records with the Warren County Tax Assessor’s office, the total value of that land is now more than $2 million.

First National Bank opened in 1884 in Vicksburg and was first located on the northwest corner of Washington and Crawford streets. It later moved to Clay Street, just east of Washington Street, before the current building was constructed.