In 1908, the Western Pacific Railroad laid its tracks through Wells and spurred an economic revival. Encouraged by renewed business, brothers Morris and Selby Badt, local businessmen and cattle ranchers, opened the Bank of Wells in 1911. It was Wells' first and only bank until 1960. The entire shell of the building, even the roof, is constructed of concrete. The facade columns and lintel are pressed tin, stuccoed and painted. The present owners, Hal Cannon and Teresa Jordan, have created an exceptional model of historic renovation.

Architectural and historical evaluations of the buildings in the Historic District are available from the City of Wells.