New York Savings Bank, historic commercial building in New York, United States
The New York Savings Bank is a bank building constructed in 1897 at 81 8th Avenue in Manhattan, designed in classical revival style inspired by Roman temples. Its exterior features white Vermont marble with a copper dome, tall Corinthian columns framing the entrance, and the interior contains a barrel-vaulted ceiling decorated with coffered squares and rosettes, along with marble walls in beige tones.
The bank was originally founded in 1854 and received the name New York Savings Bank in 1862 while operating from a basement space. The imposing marble building at 8th Avenue was erected between 1896 and 1898 under architect Robert Henderson Robertson, designed to symbolize strength and financial security.
The building's name reflects its original purpose as a savings institution founded in 1854, designed to attract depositors from the expanding city. The grand interior with marble walls and vaulted ceilings was deliberately created to convey security and trustworthiness to visitors.
The building is located in the Chelsea area on 8th Avenue near 14th Street and is easily accessible by public transit. The impressive marble entrance with columns is clearly visible from the street, and the interior with its large dome can be viewed through the windows without entering.
A large bronze clock with two faces sits on the corner of the building and is decorated with a beehive symbol, representing thrift and industry. This detail reminds visitors that the structure once served as a visible sign of values around saving money and reliability.
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