There are a few pretty notable facts about the First National Bank building in downtown St. Paul: It has what is thought to be the world's first skyway, the basement used to house a firing range for bank guards to practice in, and the building had to compete with the Empire State Building for construction materials. But the most notable element is its 50-foot, three-sided neon "1st" sign that illuminates each night as the most recognizable icon of Minnesota's capital city. The building was St. Paul's tallest until 1986, and even though other structures have since dwarfed it, First National's vivid red lights remain an enduring symbol of the city.