Former East River Savings Bank

History and architecture

The East River Savings Bank, prominently located on the northeast corner of Amsterdam Avenue and West 96th Street, was built in 1926-27, and was enlarged in 1931-32. Both phases of the building were designed by the architectural firm of Walker & Gillette, noted for its many residential, commercial, and institutional commissions, including the bank's 1933-34 Cortlandt Street headquarters building. The 96th Street branch is a distinguished design that continues the classical tradition for savings banks prevalent since the nineteenth century.

While using the traditional vocabulary of classical architecture, the executed design shows a spareness and understatement that reflects the modernist trends of the period. The building has two major limestone-clad facades, which are dominated by giant Ionic columns. The Amsterdam Avenue facade was doubled in size when the building was enlarged. The columns flank paired pedimented entrances on Amsterdam Avenue and recessed double-height windows lighting the main banking room on both Amsterdam Avenue and West 96th Street.

A boldly-scaled entablature and parapet enclose a penthouse floor. The building, which is a reminder of the important role that savings banks have played in their communities, remains largely intact.