Bank of the Metropolis

Bank of the Metropolis is a Beaux-Arts building at the corner of 16th Street and Union Square West rising 16 stories high. The limestone facade features Ionic columns, with ground-level retail spaces and residential units occupying the upper floors.

Architect Bruce Price designed this Renaissance Revival structure in 1902 for a banking institution. The organization itself had opened in 1871 and operated from different locations throughout the Union Square area.

The ground floor now houses a restaurant where banking once took place, creating a welcoming community gathering space. Upper floors contain artist studios and student housing for Parsons School of Design, bringing creative energy to the building.

The building is protected as a New York City Landmark and maintains its original exterior features. Visitors can admire the architecture from outside or access the ground-level spaces that are open to the public.

William Steinway, founder of the famous Steinway & Sons piano company, was among the founding members. His involvement reflects how deeply connected New York's wealthy merchants and business leaders were with each other.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1902

Architects: Bruce Price

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Address: 31 Union Square West

GPS coordinates: 40.73681,-73.99111

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03