Little Italy in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

From Beaux Arts Bank To Bananas

124 Bowery

Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 22, 2016

1. From Beaux Arts Bank To Bananas Marker

Inscription. This Beaux Arts style NYC Landmark was built for the Bowery Bank of New York in 1902, replacing the National Butchers (sic) and Drover’s (sic) Bank. Of the approximately 50 bank buildings designed by York & Sawyer, a leading architectural firm, this is the oldest to survive. It simultaneously dominates this busy intersection and complements the monumental facades of the 1894 Bowery Savings Bank by famed architect Stanford White, that flanks it on two sides.

By using similar materials and Neo-classic forms, including light-colored stone and a copper crested cornice; (sic) both banks reflect the City Beautiful movement and Beaux Arts style. With most of its classical details, including the “BB” initials in the cartouche still visible above street level, today it serves as the city’s only Beaux Arts fruit and vegetable stand!

- Mitchell 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 1902.

Location. 40° 43.12′ N, 73° 59.695′ W.

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Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Little Italy. It is at the intersection of Bowery and Grand Street, on the right when traveling south on Bowery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 Bowery, New York NY 10013, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bowery Savings Bank (here, next to this marker); Former Bowery Savings Bank (a few steps from this marker); Anti-Slavery Work In Federal Era Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); Man Survives Leap From Brooklyn Bridge! (within shouting distance of this marker); Italian Theatre & Triple-Jointed Wonders (within shouting distance of this marker); NYC's Oldest Operating Hotel

From Beaux Arts Bank To Bananas Marker site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 22, 2016

2. From Beaux Arts Bank To Bananas Marker site

The former Bowery Bank, surrounded by the former Bowery Savings Bank.

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ghosts And Occasional Mayhem (about 300 feet away); "I'm Not A Nice Girl" (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Another marker is no longer nearby. “A Carnival Of Debauchery!” (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).

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, July 22, 2016

3. Inset

Butchers’ and Drovers’ Bank paper currency

Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 22, 2016

4. Inset

The previous National Butchers’ and Drovers’ Bank, 1895

Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 22, 2016

5. Inset

The “BB” cartouche

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 336 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 23, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

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