History of The Vault

Like many people of the time, Jerome Wheeler moved to Manitou for health reasons. He hoped that the crisp Colorado air would help his wife’s case of Bronchitis. Once he arrived in Manitou, Jerome wasted no time working to make a name for himself. He began his entrepreneurship in the mining and railroad industry. He also operated the Manitou Mineral Water Company which shipped tonics as far as New York City. Jerome later opened Manitou’s first financial institution, Wheeler Bank. The bank was started in 1888 and shared a building with a dry goods store as well as the Wheeler Opera House which resided on the 2nd floor. The bank remained operational until the economic crash of 1893 where over 600 banks were forced to close. 

The bank reopened after Wheelers death in 1918 and then moved to its location in 1925. The building was designed by Charles E. Thomas who also migrated to Colorado Springs for health reasons. Thomas additionally designed Will Rogers Shrine for Spencer Penrose, the Manitou post office, and the Manitou public library. The relocated bank stayed open for many years until it was forced to close due to larger banks opening in the area.

The bank was eventually converted into a retail establishment after TAT Enterprises purchased the property. Today, The Vault’s design has not changed much. A Romanesque column style is still featured on the exterior of the store as well as the original vault from 1925 which guests are free to enter. 

The vault that the store was named after was manufactured by the National Safe Company which was founded in 1883 in Cleveland, Ohio. The National Safe Company was a bank vault specialist business that worked with architects, contractors, and builders throughout the United States. The bank vault has been estimated to be around one ton and the official serial number for the vault is 37607.