The witty stone carving of Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower

I love this place!

This former bank built in 1927 in a deco/byzantine/Romanesque style by Robert Helmer of the architectural firm of Halsey, McCormack and Helmer. Although it is now used for snazzy do's, for the peasants there is a great Sunday antiques market during the winter months.

Over Thanksgiving I stay with my sons family, who live nearby, and have made it a habit to visit (its a great place to find Christmas presents). The main hall is stunning, with a 19 metre high decorated ceiling - no woodcarving but wonderful, witty, stone carving, colour and wrought iron work everywhere.

Apparently Helmer wanted it to be, "regarded as a cathedral dedicated to the furtherance of thrift and prosperity" -  there isn't much thrift in evidence in the main hall at least - thank goodness!

Here's a tip - hold off on Sunday breakfast - get brunch at one of weird and wonderful NYC food stalls in the vaults below.

 

Ian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wikipedia has a lot more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williamsburgh_Savings_Bank_Tower