History and architecture
The New York Savings Bank, built in two sections in 1896-97, was designed by RH. Robertson in the Academic Classic style popularized by the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago (1893). It is one of his most successful designs: for its size, its scale is monumental; its materials and workmanship are exceptionally fine. While Robertson used the classical architectural vocabulary, he was by no means a strict classicist. His propensity for functional considerations place him among the significant New York architects of the late nineteenth century. Subsequent alterations to meet the changing needs of the bank have been largely compatible with Robertson's original design. The bank occupies a prominent corner site at the axis of two major thoroughfares, and it is complemented by its classical counterpart, the Manufacturers Hanover Trust Bank built in 1907 on the south side of 14th Street.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.