Alton, Illinois — October 1, 2025 — The Riverbender Building, located at 200 West 3rd Street, Alton, Illinois, will celebrate its 100th anniversary this fall with a community gathering to honor both the historic building itself and one of its most distinguished tenants, Attorney Robert Ryan. The event, featuring Cookies & Coffee on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., is open to the public.
Originally constructed in 1925 as the First National Bank & Trust Company of Alton, the Riverbender Building was designed as a beacon of financial strength and civic pride during a time when Alton was experiencing strong growth as a riverfront city. With its sturdy brick and limestone façade, vaulted interiors, and finely detailed craftsmanship, the building stands today as one of the best-preserved examples of early 20th-century commercial architecture in the region.
Over the years, the building has adapted to serve the community’s evolving needs, housing a wide variety of tenants and businesses while retaining its character and prominence in Alton’s downtown landscape.
Yet the anniversary celebration is not only about bricks and mortar. It is also about people—particularly one man who has left an indelible mark on the building and the community: Attorney Robert Ryan.
Now more than 100 years old himself, Mr. Ryan has been a fixture at the Riverbender Building for decades. A decorated World War II veteran, he served his country with distinction before returning home to Alton, where he built a remarkable legal career spanning over 75 years. Known for his dedication to clients, integrity in the courtroom, and mentorship of younger attorneys, Mr. Ryan has been a pillar of the local legal community and a living link to the city’s past.