Architecturally, the bank features clear-cut lines terminated with a flat roof and bold cornice. The building is dominated by a Syrian arch at the entrance with blue glass mosaic in the tympanum. Sullivan’s terra cotta relief ornamentation is punctuated by lion’s head gargoyles (decorative rain spouts). To give the business a spacious and well-lighted interior, Sullivan designed within the building’s west wall a continuous string of windows composed of subdued green glass, accented by occasional ornamental designs in tomato and pale amber glass. The interior of the building, with its safe symmetrically located, and in full view by all, offers the comforting presence of security.

By the time Peoples was constructed, Sullivan’s ‘honesty in architectural design’ was no longer popular. It had been replaced by a Classical Revival. Sullivan refused to compromise his convictions and design in popular classical style. His career was limited to commissions in small Midwestern towns such as Sidney, designing primarily banks. Now, this building is considered to be one of Louis Sullivan’s finest works and is his only unaltered bank building remaining in Ohio.