Kings County Savings Bank
| Company type | Bank (former) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking |
| Founded | April 10, 1860 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City, United States |
| Defunct | October 20, 1995 |
| Fate | Liquidated; building repurposed as Williamsburg Art & Historical Center |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York City , United States |
Area served | Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City |
Kings County Savings Bank is a historically significant former banking edifice located at 135 Broadway within the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, New York City. Exemplifying the French Second Empire architectural style, this structure was erected between 1860 and 1867. It was the creation of William H. Willcox and the esteemed architect Gamaliel King, collaborating as King & Willcox. The building functioned continuously as a bank until the 1990s. Since 1996, it has been repurposed to accommodate the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center.
Recognized for its architectural and historic importance, it was designated a New York City designated landmark in 1966 and subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Architecture
Constructed over the period from 1860 to 1867, the Kings County Savings Bank building spans and is built of Dorchester sandstone.[1] The design includes three primary floors, each consisting of expansive open spaces; the first two levels are distinguished by six towering cast-iron Corinthian columns, while the third floor remains entirely unobstructed. Original gas chandeliers and intricate wood detailing have been preserved on the first floor.
Although William H. Willcox was not widely known at the time, this building stands as a prime example of French Second Empire architecture, particularly noted for its characteristic Mansard roof, which effectively hides an attic-level fourth story.
History
Established by charter on April 10, 1860, the Kings County Savings Institution initially conducted its operations out of Washington Hall before acquiring its permanent location at Bedford Avenue and Broadway to construct this landmark structure.
By the turn of the 20th century, as Williamsburg underwent significant changes highlighted by the construction of the Williamsburg Bridge, the bank had become emblematic of "old Williamsburg." It was among the earliest structures to be designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1966 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
The building’s architecture reflects an era marked by ostentatious displays of wealth: "From its scale and character, there is nothing on the outside that would distinguish the Kings County Savings Bank from a millionaires mansion." This illustrates its status as a financial landmark during its time.
After serving as a banking institution for over one hundred years without interruption, it ceased banking operations in the 1980s.
Bank timeline
According to public documentation:
- April 10, 1860 – Kings County Savings Bank was chartered by New York State
- December 31, 1968 – merged with State Union Square Savings Bank; renamed United Mutual Savings Bank
- September 24, 1982 – merged with State American Savings Bank
- July 29, 1983 – reorganized as Federal American Savings Bank, F.S.B.
- December 29, 1989 – returned to State American Savings Bank name
- June 12, 1992 – LID sold to Ridgewood Savings Bank
- October 20, 1995 – bank liquidated
Williamsburg Art & Historical Center
Currently, the building serves as home to the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, a nonprofit organization established by artist Yuko Nii in October 1996. The Center presents art exhibitions, live performances, cultural gatherings, lectures, seminars, and educational initiatives that engage both local and international audiences. It is also dedicated to preserving historical artworks and artifacts.
On July 31, 2008, John B. Manbeck, who served as Brooklyn Borough Historian from 1993 to 2002, remarked in the Brooklyn Eagle that much of Williamsburg’s revitalization is attributed to Yuko Nii’s leadership at the Center. Operating within the former Kings County Savings Bank Building (dating back to 1867), the Center received a $500,000 capital grant from city authorities.
In 2009, ownership of this historic property was transferred to the Yuko Nii Foundation.
See also
- List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Brooklyn
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Brooklyn
References
Notes
External links
- ↑ A type of sandstone quarried in Dorchester, New Brunswick.
- Theatres in Brooklyn
- Music venues in Brooklyn
- Commercial buildings in Brooklyn
- Bank buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in New York City
- New York City Designated Landmarks in Brooklyn
- Commercial buildings completed in 1867
- Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- 1867 establishments in New York (state)
- National Register of Historic Places in Brooklyn