This is a space that evolved over time and by pure chance. The building originally served as the Kirk State Bank, which was chartered with the State of Colorado in 1917. When a new bank building was built in the 1960s the old Kirk State Bank was turned into a residence, with the built-in vault still in the home. The heavy vault door was removed to meet insurance regulations for the residence, and it continued as a residence until about 2020, when the house no longer had access to well water. 

When the house went up for sale in 2025, Wayne Herrick—well known in the community for generously sharing rocks and living just across the street—seized the opportunity to purchase the property. Wayne envisioned transforming the space into a workshop, where his extensive collection of lapidary equipment could find a home alongside a dedicated area for leatherwork. Christi, Wayne's wife, wholeheartedly supported this plan, as the building held deep family significance. Her grandfather, Harry Kerr Clark, her uncle Harry Eugene Clark, and her father, John Gray Clark, had all worked in the building. Harry Kerr Clark served as the town's banker from the early 1920s until the early 1950s, making the connection especially meaningful.

Despite Christi's enthusiasm, she had never set foot inside the old bank and was unsure what to expect. When Wayne finally took possession toward the end of 2025, they were met with a daunting sight—the interior was packed to the brim with remnants from the previous owner. Everything from surplus furniture, kitchen items and clothing to an industrial-sized oven and roughly sixty fishing poles filled the space, leaving barely any room to maneuver. Over the course of winter and spring, Wayne and Christi devoted themselves to the arduous task of sorting through the clutter and discarding what was unnecessary. Gradually, Wayne moved his lapidary equipment into the building, carefully arranging rocks of all shapes and sizes—raw stones, polished cuts, pieces crafted for jewelry—on the shelves in the front office. Wayne felt the workshop was ready for visitors.

Christi, however, had developed her own vision for The Old Bank Workshop during those months, imagining creative possibilities for both the spacious front room and the historic vault. The vault, once a symbol of security, was re-imagined as a cozy bedroom, complete with a snug seating area, a collection of books for leisurely browsing, and an old, impressively hefty safe—a nod to its origins.

In the front room are some family history and memories - photos of the banker and his family, old desk accessories, original cancelled checks from the Kirk State Bank, and WWII era adding machine and typewriter. This little corner of the room is a tribute to those who came before and who were able to keep this bank functioning throughout the depression and beyond.

The large space also includes jewelry displays with some of Wayne's most beautiful pieces, an old secretary with some of his favorite and most unusual rock specimens, and some of Christi's local photos taken in and around Kirk. With some comfy seating, it's a wonderful place to hang out and visit with friends and family.

The Old Bank Workshop opened to the public in May of 2026. As Wayne is only semi-retired, his work schedule can be a bit unpredictable and can change at the last minute. Until he has more time to hang out at the workshop during the day, we hope you’ll feel free to text or call him to find out if he’s available when you’re in town or to set up a time.