History and architecture
The Bowery Savings Bank Building, designed by the distinguished architectural firm of York & Sawyer, was built in 1921-23, with an addition dating from 1931-33. This imposing structure marked the expansion of the bank from its original headquarters at 130 Bowery to a convenient location adjacent to Grand Central Terminal and the growing midtown commercial district. For this valuable block-through site, the architects incorporated a monumental banking room into a eighteen-story office tower.
The building was conceived in an academic Italian Romanesque style, drawing upon characteristics typical of the Emilian region, here adapted to a tall steel-framed building. A variety of arch forms, including the monumental entrance arch; polychromy; and a wealth of carved detail are among the building's distinguishing features. The overall design, while decorative, incorporates specific references to moral duty and was meant to encourage the thrifty.
The Bowery Savings Bank Building remains in use as a bank (since 1991, Home Savings of America and in 1995 GreenPoint Bank) and an office building, admired for its architectural distinction and enhanced by its prominent location.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.