Soper, Dudley E. | Bronze Plaque for Banks | Extant | Kew Gardens | Bank | 1963 | The former Hamburg Savings Bank exists across from Queens Borough Hall, part of a row of commercial establishments. The small building is wedged into a small through-block site and incorporates parking at the rear. The decorative exterior includes aluminum windows, Italian ceramic tile spandrels, blue glazed brick and tan brick, and white marble. Four floors of banking sit within this diminutive site. Hamburg Savings Bank merged long ago and its successor Capital One now resides here.
Heller, Simeon with Meltzer, George J. | Bronze Plaque for Rehabilitations and Alterations | Significantly Altered | Jamaica | Bank | 1963 | Not the only Queens Modern winner to be converted into a discount store, this former bank branch is now largely obscured by awnings and unfortunate painting over of much of the Regal Blue and Alabama White marble on the front facade. Passerby can mostly identify the building by the still prominent flagpoles at the roofline and the metal grill above the door. The interior had teak paneling (now gone) and an acoustic tile ceiling with recessed lighting, which is still visible in the commercial space. This project won an award as a combining and rehabilitation of two existing buildings and not as a new structure.
Shreve Lamb and Harmon Associates | Bronze Plaque for Banks | Extant | Jackson Heights | Bank | 1963 | This low-rise bank was built to fit into the surrounding residential neighborhood, but its design is distinctly mid-century. Sitting on a corner lot, the building is oriented to the street with an elliptical glass and metal window bay surrounded by entrance areas clad in white brick. The drive-thru teller stations exist behind the building.
Arlen, Samuel S. | Bronze Plaque for Office Buildings | Extant | Forest Hills | Office Building | 1963 | The Pickman Building, named for its prominent local developer, is a six-story corporate style office complex with underground parking, office space, and retail space. Although the exact reason for its construction is unclear, its proximity to Queensborough Hall and other municipal offices most likely played a role. The exterior is of glazed white and blue brick with aluminum trim and ribbon style windows. The striking entrance is surrounded by porcelain and marble with the building name displayed in metal lettering.
Brodsky Hopf and Adler | Bronze Plaque for Public Buildings | Demolished | Flushing | Public Building | 1963 | This administration building was constructed in 1963, on the site of the new Queens Botanical Garden. The previous garden was in Flushing Meadows Park but was moved to a neighboring plot to accommodate construction for the 1963-64 World’s Fair. The building had stone walls and glass expanses to allow for viewing out onto the garden. Slate floors, exposed wooden beams, and wooden decks also helped the building blend into its surroundings.
