Heller, Simeon with Meltzer, George J. | Bronze Plaque for Banks | Significantly Altered | Flushing | Bank | 1968 | This bank branch is currently vacant and has been completely reclad in 90s era ceramic tiles. A simple structure incorporated into an existing commercial row, the building was originally identified by a facade of precast aggregate panels and a large bay of windows that looked onto the banking floor.
Halsey McCormack and Helmer | Bronze Plaque for Banks | Extant | Floral Park | Bank | 1957 | A traditional Georgian Revival bank building by a firm known for its bank design. The Awards program is surprisingly amusing in its description of the design stating “…the Richmond Hill Savings Bank tends to exert a subtle influence of traditional New Englad morality and sound character in this Queens community.” It goes on further to state “…it presents a charming picture which, in a quiet way, may serve to temper any tendencies toward extremes of architecture in future neighborhood construction.
Silverstone, Oscar | Honorable Mention | Extant | Flushing | Bank | 1954 | This branch of the Jamaica National Bank is a limestone block clad box with simple details including patterned panels under the windows, a metal framed entrance vestibule, and a stone veneer retaining wall. The building is oriented to face a triangular green space replete with flagpole.
Blomberg, Karl E. with Cybul, David N. | Bronze Plaque for Rehabilitation | Significantly Altered | Whitestone | Bank | 1957 | This bank branch is located as just one storefront in a much larger shopping center along the Cross Island Parkway. While much of the retail space reads as contemporary, the bank space still has some marble cladding at the storefront level and some original metal detailing as well.
Castro-Blanco, Piscioneri and Feder | Bronze Plaque for Banks | Significantly Altered | Corona | Bank | 1970 | This interesting take on a local bank branch is now gone. Originally the design incorporated some traditional elements of Spanish architecture most notable a massive entry arch in concrete. Other interior features such as dark stained wood and specifically designed furniture were part of the overall scheme. Already by 1970, this part of Corona was notably Hispanic and is largely majority Spanish-speaking today. However, the local population now uses a Chase Bank branch interchangeable with other Chase branches across the city.