Manufacturers Hanover Trust Branch Bank, International Style bank building on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, US.
The Manufacturers Hanover Trust Building is a five-story office structure of glass and aluminum on Fifth Avenue that opened in 1954. Its transparent facade allows pedestrians to see the banking hall and vault interior from the street below.
This was the first bank in the United States built in the International Style, marking a turning point in American banking architecture. This innovation later influenced many other commercial building projects across the city.
The interior showcases artistic elements by Harry Bertoia and features a circular stainless steel vault door designed by Henry Dreyfuss. These design pieces turn the banking space into a work of art that pedestrians encounter during their daily walk.
The building sits on Fifth Avenue near 43rd Street and is easily viewable from the street. Since it holds protected landmark status, many of its original structural features remain visible and intact.
The building was designed with four main columns that appear to support the upper floors without visible connections. This seemingly floating effect was a technical achievement that demonstrates the innovative engineering approach of the 1950s construction period.
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