A Brooklyn Landmark: Williamsburgh Savings Bank

Brooklyn now has a landmarked "skyscraper district." It's called the Borough Hall Skyscraper District.

But Brooklyn's tallest pre-World War II building isn't in it: The Williamsburgh Savings Bank.

Since its construction before the Great Depression of the 20th century, the Williamsburgh Savings Bank, now known as One Hanson Place, has been one of Brooklyn's most visible landmarks. The external facade of the building is protected by landmark laws, and cannot be changed, so the building retains a historic sense of the soaring architecture of other New York City skyscrapers of the era.

See how the Williamsburgh Savings Bank is used today.

The Williamsburgh Savings Bank is one of New York City's notable 20th century architectural structures, and worth a visit.

Get directions to the Williamsburgh Savings Bank, also known as One Hanson Place

About the Landmark Williamsburgh Savings Bank Building

• Address:
  One Hanson Place, at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue.
• Neighborhood:
  Fort Greene, next to Atlantic Terminal and near the Barclay Center, Atlantic Center Mall and Brooklyn Academy of Music.
• It was designed by the firm of Halsey, McCormack, and Helmer. The building was started in 1927, and finished in the fateful year of 1929, the year of the infamous Wall Street market crash.

Noteworthy Features of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Building:

• The Williamsburgh Savings Bank resembles the Bowery Savings Bank opposite Grand Central Terminal.
• It is 512 feet high, with 34 stories.
• External features include a gilded copper dome, and the large clock. Both are visible for miles around.
• The 1929 four-faced Williamsburgh Savings Bank Clock, which still works, is taller than London's Big Ben, and is one of the tallest clock towers in the world.
• Internal features include a lobby area mosaic mural arches, stained glass, and marble rails. The lobby has 63 foot ceilings, mosaic tiles, 40 foot windows, and original marble floors.

For decades, the upper floors were occupied by offices, including many dental offices. Generations of Brooklynites were able to get their teeth cleaned and filled while gazing at spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn's bridges.

Read more about the Borough Hall Skyscraper District.