The Professional Building in downtown Lewiston turns 100 years old next month.

The seven-story building at 145 Lisbon St. opened to the public in December of 1914 as the Manufacturers National Bank Building.

Designed by Hutchins & French of Boston and built by a host of Massachusetts-based contractors, the building featured architecture adapted from Italian renaissance. Among the many interior offerings were wrought iron staircase railings, mahogany doors and marble throughout, as well as state-of-the-art electrical security systems and bank vault materials.

The bank’s revolving front door has been replaced by a traditional swinging door, but the curved staircase up to the second floor is still there.

“I loved those stairs,” said Judy Simpson of Auburn. Simpson’s optometrist was located in the building when she wore glasses as a 7-year-old. 

“I would run up those stairs to get a glass of water and then slide down the banister to get back down,” said the now-75-year-old Simpson. 

The second floor once overlooked the bank floor; it is now home to the Maine People’s Alliance.

The floors above are filled with law offices, an engineering firm, counseling services, a driving school, a photo studio, a video production company and multiple immigrant-owned businesses and nonprofits, such as the Somali Bantu Community Office. 

“We have many businesses that help our new residents into the community,” said building owner Dick LeCompte. 

LeCompte bought the building in 2000. His office is on the top floor overlooking Lisbon and Ash streets. 

“If the snow flies, it’s nice. If the sun is out, it’s nice,” LeCompte said about his view. 

LeCompte said he was watching from the roof when the Cowan Mill was burning next to the Great Falls in 2009. LeCompte watched as embers blew onto the roof of the Bates Mill No. 5. He called the fire department. 

“This building is anchored in bedrock,” said LeCompte. “It was designed to go five stories higher.” 

“This building is a diamond in the rough,” he added. “I wish I had the money to put into it that it needs.”

“I used to love going there,” said Simpson. “All the fun things you remember about your life.”