Kings County Savings Bank facts for kids
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Kings County Savings Bank Building
(Williamsburg Art & Historical Center) |
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(2005)
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| Location | 135 Broadway Brooklyn, New York City |
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| Built | 1867 |
| Architect | Gamaliel King & William H. Willcox |
| Architectural style | French Second Empire |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002632 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 16, 1980 |
The Kings County Savings Bank building is a really cool old building located at 135 Broadway in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, New York City. It used to be a bank, but now it's home to the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center.
This building is a great example of the French Second Empire style of architecture. It was designed by William H. Willcox and Gamaliel King. Construction started in 1860 and finished in 1867. The building was used as a bank for over 100 years, until the 1990s. Since 1996, it has been a vibrant art and history center.
Because of its special design and history, the building became a New York City designated landmark in 1966. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Contents
Building Design and Style
The Kings County Savings Bank building was built between 1860 and 1867. It measures about 43.5 feet wide and 81 feet long. The building is made from a type of stone called Dorchester sandstone.
Inside, it has three main floors. Each floor is one big, open room. The first and second floors have six tall columns made of cast iron. These columns are designed in the fancy Corinthian style. The third floor is completely open. The first floor still has its huge gas chandeliers and beautifully carved wooden details.
The building's main designer, William H. Willcox, isn't very famous. However, this building is an amazing example of the French Second Empire architectural style. For instance, it has a special roof called a Mansard roof. This type of roof hides the fourth-story attic, making the building look even grander.
A Look at Its History
The Kings County Savings Institution officially started on April 10, 1860. At first, they did business in a building called Washington Hall. Later, they bought the land at Bedford Avenue and Broadway to build their own permanent home.
The Kings County Savings Bank building has always been an important landmark in Williamsburg. By the early 1900s, when the Williamsburg Bridge was being built, the area was changing a lot. Even then, the bank building was seen as a symbol of "old Williamsburg."
Today, it remains one of the most important historical spots in Williamsburg. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission recognized its importance in 1966. It was only the seventh building in New York City to get this special landmark status. Later, in 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a historically important place across the whole country.
The building was used as a bank for more than a century. It stopped being a bank in the 1980s.
The Bank's Journey Through Time
Here's a quick look at some key dates for the bank:
- April 10, 1860 – The Kings County Savings Bank officially started in New York State.
- December 31, 1968 – It merged with another bank and changed its name to United Mutual Savings Bank.
- September 24, 1982 – It merged again, this time with State American Savings Bank.
- July 29, 1983 – It became a federal bank, called Federal American Savings Bank, F.S.B.
- December 29, 1989 – It changed back to a state bank, American Savings Bank.
- June 12, 1992 – Its loans were sold to Ridgewood Savings Bank.
- October 20, 1995 – The bank was officially closed down.
Williamsburg Art & Historical Center
Today, the building is home to the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center. This is a non-profit art group started by artist Yuko Nii in October 1996.
The Center hosts many exciting events. They have art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events. They also offer lectures, seminars, and educational programs. These programs are interesting to both local people and visitors from around the world. The Center also works to protect and show historical art and artifacts.
In 2008, John B. Manbeck, a historian for Brooklyn, praised the center in an article. He said that art in Williamsburg had grown a lot, thanks to artists. He gave much credit to Yuko Nii, the director of the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center. He also mentioned that the center received a $500,000 grant from the city to help with its work.
In 2009, the building's ownership was given to the Yuko Nii Foundation. This helps ensure the center can continue its important work for years to come.
See also
In Spanish: Kings County Savings Bank para niños
