Chinatown in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Renaissance-Inspired Bank for the Working Class
58 Bowery
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 25, 2016
1. Renaissance-inspired Bank for the Working Class Marker
The former Citizens Savings Bank, chartered to service working class people, was designed in 1922 by the architect Clarence W. Brazer (1880-1956). The monumental building was intended to inspire confidence in depositors. large arched windows brought natural light into the banking room which is crowned by a massive dome.
The cornice of the Bowery façade features stone sculptures by Charles Keck (1871-1951) inspired by the bank’s corporate seal. Look up to spot an eagle perched above the clock flanked by seated figures of a seaman and a Native American, as well as beehives symbolizing thrift. Now a designated landmark and a branch of HSBC, the grand Beaux-Arts style bank continues to dominate this major intersection and complement the monumental arch and colonnades of the Manhattan bridge approach just across the street.
- Michael Grubler, Landmarks Committee Chair, Bowery Alliance of Neighbors
Erected 2016 by Bowery Alliance of Neighbors.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.
Location. 40° 42.966′ N, 73° 59.783′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Chinatown. Marker is at the intersection
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Black Horse Inn (a few steps from this marker); George Washington Drank Here! (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bowery Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Lost New York Gem (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bowery Boys (within shouting distance of this marker); Stephen Foster (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); High and Low Art (about 400 feet away); NYC Landmark Of Cast Iron (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
More about this marker. One of more than sixty entries in the “Windows on the Bowery” series.
The building is listed in the "AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to New York City, Fifth Edition".
Photographed By Larry Gertner, November 2005
2. HSBC/ formerly Republic National Bank/ originally Citizen's Savings Bank
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 25, 2016
3. Inset
Circa 1924. Interior rotunda with arabesque skylight.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 25, 2016
4. Inset
The clock
Photographed By Larry Gertner, July 25, 2016
5. Inset
The dome was previously covered by scalloped tiles.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 15, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
