Bank of the Metropolis

The Bank of the Metropolis Building is a 16-storey high-rise at 31 Union Square in Manhattan, New York City. It was planned and built in 1901-1903 by architect Bruce Price. Initially built for the Founded in 1871, Bank of Metropolis as headquarters, changed the building in 1918 the owner. In 1975 there was a fundamental renovation and conversion to condominiums.

The building was in 1988 asked by the Landmarks Preservation Commission listed and registered in the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. Directly to the building borders the Decker Building, which was also made ​​in 1988 under monument protection. Also directly to the Hartford Building is nearby.

History

The Bank of Metropolis was founded in 1871 by the newly rich merchants. It opened on 31 Union Square their headquarters until it moved further to the south later. In the 19th century, many low -rise buildings have been replaced by larger office building on Union Square. A lot of buildings were constructed here in the Queen Anne Style in Union Square and the Bank of the Metropolis was planning a new headquarters. The Decker Building the Decker Brothers Piano Company opened in 1881 and was an incentive for the bank to build a higher building next door.

Before the construction of the bank building was located at 31 Union Square, the city known bookstore Brentano 's Bookstore. In colloquial therefore the neighboring Decker Building was always described as "next to Brentano 's". The bank acquired the property and instruct the architects Bruce Prince 1902 with the construction of 16-storey skyscraper.

Construction began in 1901 under the responsibility of the George A. Fuller Company, which became known primarily through their own headquarters, the Flatiron Building ( Fuller Building or also ). Construction costs totaled $ 500,000. It was striking, especially the narrow structure of the building. With 62.48 meters high, it was at that time one of the tallest buildings in the area.