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 very old and beautiful building 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 center is a place where you can see art, enjoy performances, and learn about history.
The building was designed by architects Gamaliel King and William H. Willcox. Its construction started in 1860 and finished in 1867. It's famous for its special look, which is called the French Second Empire style. This building has been a bank for a long time, until the 1990s. Since 1996, it has been used by the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center.
Because it's so important and unique, the building was named a New York City designated landmark in 1966. Later, in 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a special historical place in the United States.
Contents
Building Design and Style
The Kings County Savings Bank building was built between 1860 and 1867. It is about 43.5 feet wide and 81 feet long. The building is made from a type of stone called Dorchester sandstone.
Inside the Building
Inside, the building has three main floors. Each floor is one big room. The first and second floors have six tall columns made of cast iron. These columns are designed in a fancy style called Corinthian. The third floor is completely open. On the first floor, you can still see the huge gas chandeliers and beautiful carved wood.
French Second Empire Style
The building is a great example of the French Second Empire style. This style was popular in France and then in other countries. One special feature of this style is the Mansard roof. This type of roof has slopes on all sides and often hides an attic floor. The Kings County Savings Bank building has a Mansard roof that hides its fourth-story attic.
History of the Bank Building
The Kings County Savings Institution officially started on April 10, 1860. At first, it did business in another building called Washington Hall. Later, the bank bought land at the corner of Bedford Avenue and Broadway. That's where they built their own permanent home.
A Williamsburg Landmark
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 neighborhood was changing. Even then, the bank building was seen as a symbol of "old Williamsburg."
Today, it is still one of the most important historical places in the area. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission recognized it in 1966. It was only the seventh building to get this special recognition. In 1980, it was also added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The building is known for its grand look and many decorative details. It shows how important it was for banks to look impressive back then.
Bank Ownership Timeline
The building was used as a bank for over 100 years. Here's a quick look at its history as a bank:
- April 10, 1860 – The Kings County Savings Bank officially started.
- December 31, 1968 – It merged with State Union Square Savings Bank and changed its name to United Mutual Savings Bank.
- September 24, 1982 – It merged with State American Savings Bank.
- July 29, 1983 – It became Federal American Savings Bank, F.S.B.
- December 29, 1989 – It changed back to State American Savings Bank.
- June 12, 1992 – Its loans were sold to Ridgewood Savings Bank.
- October 20, 1995 – The bank officially closed down.
Williamsburg Art & Historical Center
Since 1996, the building has been 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 different events. They have art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events. They also offer lectures, seminars, and educational programs. These programs are for both local people and international visitors. The Center also works to keep and show historical art and artifacts.
In 2008, John B. Manbeck, a historian for Brooklyn, praised the Center. He said that art in Williamsburg had improved a lot, thanks to artists. He gave a lot of credit to Yuko Nii, the director of the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center. The Center received a large grant of $500,000 from the city to help with its work.
In 2009, the ownership of the building was given to the Yuko Nii Foundation.
See also
In Spanish: Kings County Savings Bank para niños
