Bank of New York Building

Identification

Map

Structure in general

Usage

Facts

• Faced with numerous problems at the facades and roofs of this limestone-clad building, The Bank of New York commissioned Hoffmann Architects in 2001 to conduct an exterior condition survey and develop a master plan for the exterior restoration. The master plan delineates a five-year phased construction program of facade and mortar repair, roof replacements, and window replacements.
• Subtle setbacks lead to a narrow tower enhanced by large window openings near the top.
• The faceted, chamfered corners and pointed tops of the fluted bays create a crystalline effect at the crown of the building.
• The lower stories are accentuated by narrow window openings with decorative mullions, shallow incised designs, and theatrically-inspired entranceways.
• Constructed in 1929-31 as the corporate headquarters of the Irving Trust Company, this 50-story, limestone-faced skyscraper is situated on what was considered the "most expensive real estate in New York", the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway.
• At 1 Wall Street, the architects employed a smooth limestone skin arranged in a series of undulating surfaces to simulate a fluted column, or the effect of draped material hanging from the sky, varying the rhythm of the curves throughout the building.
• Construction started July of 1929.
• A matching 36 floor addition to the south was completed in 1965, to the designs of Smith Smith Haines Waehler & Lundberg, a successor firm to Voorhees, Gmelin & Walker.