JUST my luck, when I happened by the massive Bay Ridge Savings Bank building at 5th Avenue and 54th Street in Sunset Park, a postal truck was parked in front, compromising the photo. But you still get a good idea of the grandeur of the place; banks were once built as palaces of money. I suppose Sunset Park was included in Bay Ridge at one time, but by 1964 the neighborhoods had been cordoned off by the elevated Gowanus Expressway running above 65th Street.
The Bay Ridge Savings Bank, as the handy entablature says, was established in 1909, with this building erected in 1926. According to Scripophily:
10/01/1968 Name Change To Anchor Savings Bank
09/30/1969 Acquire By Merger Bushwick Savings Bank
09/30/1977 Acquire By Merger North New York Savings Bank
12/30/1980 Convert Federal Anchor Savings Bank, F.S.B.
The building isn’t even a bank anymore; after a last gasp as a Chase branch, it’s now a bilingual Spanish/English school for grades K through 5. I wish I could have gotten inside, past those massive arched windows and Ionic pilasters (half-columns) as I did several years ago at the former Lincoln Savings Bank, 21 blocks south on 75th Street.
Inspired by a Historic Districts Council 6 to Celebrate, I recently walked 4th and 5th Avenues in Sunset Park, the fruits of which will wind up in Forgotten NY eventually.
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
5/15/25