Bank of the Manhattan Company Building Architecture and History

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A contemporary city skyline featuring tall buildings and a prominent bank at dusk.
Credit: pexels.com, A contemporary city skyline featuring tall buildings and a prominent bank at dusk.

The Bank of the Manhattan Company Building is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture.

Built in 1835, this iconic building was designed by architect John H. A. Bomberger.

Its Greek Revival style is characterized by a simple and elegant design.

The building's facade features a central entrance flanked by two large columns, a classic Greek Revival motif.

One of the building's most notable features is its clock tower, which stands at 130 feet tall.

The clock tower was added in 1894, more than 50 years after the building's original construction.

Building Details

The Bank of Manhattan Company building has a unique design that reflects its history and purpose. The building's facade is made of limestone, which was a common building material in New York City during the 19th century.

The building's height is 14 stories, which was impressive for its time. The Bank of Manhattan Company building was one of the tallest buildings in New York City when it was first constructed.

The building's design is a mix of Greek Revival and Italianate styles, which was a common architectural style in New York City during the mid-19th century. The building's ornate details, such as the carved stone cornice and the ornate metalwork, add to its historic charm.

Long Island City Clocktower

Vintage Bank Building in Kuznetsk in Russia
Credit: pexels.com, Vintage Bank Building in Kuznetsk in Russia

The Long Island City Clocktower is a notable landmark in Queens. It was built in 1927 by the Manhattan Company, a holding company that merged with the Chase National Bank in 1955 to create the Chase Manhattan Bank.

The tower is the first tall building in Queens and still stands today. It boasts well-preserved neo-Gothic style elevations that are worth admiring.

Its most prominent feature is the big clock tower on top of the building. It's a striking design element that adds to the tower's charm.

Materials & Structure

The 40 Wall Street Building's frame structure is a testament to its ability to sustain the building's weight, with a combination of beams and columns working together to distribute the weight evenly.

The walls in this building are non-load bearing, which allows for more flexibility in designing the interior spaces.

One of the most striking features of the building's facade is its use of buff-colored bricks, which make up not only the outer layer but also the inner fire protection.

A building with a large sign that says bank of america
Credit: pexels.com, A building with a large sign that says bank of america

The first floor's facade is cladded in granite, giving it a sleek and sophisticated look.

Limestone colonnades pilasters are used to decorate the facade from the second to the fifth floor, adding a touch of elegance to the building's design.

The pyramidal roof features lead-coated copper, which not only provides a unique aesthetic but also offers durability and weather resistance.

Terracotta is used for the ornamental panels and floors, adding a pop of color and texture to the building's interior spaces.

Joan Lowe-Schiller

Assigning Editor

Joan Lowe-Schiller serves as an Assigning Editor, overseeing a diverse range of architectural and design content. Her expertise lies in Brazilian architecture, a passion that has led to in-depth coverage of the region's innovative structures and cultural influences. Under her guidance, the publication has expanded its reach, offering readers a deeper understanding of the architectural landscape in Brazil.

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