Jamaica Savings Bank

Address: 161st Street and Jamaica Avenue
Neighborhood: Jamaica
Architect: LaPierre Litchfield and Partners
Year: 1964
Current Status: Extant
Award:  Bronze Plaque
Typology: Bank

The Jamaica Savings Bank of 1964 stands prominently on this corner in downtown Jamaica across from its ornate, Victorian predecessor (exterior link here). The bank leadership was making a statement when they had this building constructed as their new headquarters, leaving their historic building for a state-of-the art (at the time) replacement. The new building featured quality materials, especially a curved wall of blue Venetian glass that covers a majority of the area above the concave entrance. According to the award citation, the building is completely fireproof with building materials of gray glazed enamel brick, stainless steel columns, and blue mosaic panels. The building also includes a 160 ft x 10 ft mural with historical themes on the interior. Jamaica Savings Bank merged with North Fork Bank in 2000, which was subsequently purchased by Capital One, the current owner and tenant.