Back to all New York City places

New York City, New York / History

181 Montague Street

A neo-Classical masterpiece of the historic Bank Row, this landmarked building served as the People's Trust Company and is renowned for its massive marble columns.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
181 Montague Street
locations.td.com, og_image_locations.td.com

What is 181 Montague Street known for?

It is a landmarked retail property located on the historic Montague Street Bank Row in Brooklyn Heights, originally built as the People's Trust Company Building.

What are the architectural features of 181 Montague Street?

The building is an example of turn-of-the-20th-century commercial bank architecture with Greek, Roman, and Renaissance influences. Its facade is made of white marble from Dover, New York, and polished pink granite from Milford, Massachusetts, and it features four monolithic Ionic columns that were said to be the largest marble blocks ever quarried, each weighing 28 tons.

When was 181 Montague Street built?

The building was built in 1904 for the Brooklyn-based People’s Trust Company and was completed in March 1906.

What are the hours for the bank at 181 Montague Street?

The TD Bank branch at this location is open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM; it is closed on Sundays.

Is 181 Montague Street a landmark?

Yes, the building became a New York City designated landmark in 2017.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

181 Montague Street is an imposing neo-Classical bank building located in Brooklyn Heights. Built in 1904 for the Brooklyn-based People’s Trust Company, the structure exemplifies turn-of-the-20th-century commercial bank architecture. Its design skillfully blends Greek, Roman, and Renaissance influences to project ideas of civic pride, wealth, and stability. The original two-story building was designed by the architectural firm Mowbray & Uffinger, while a later six-story annex at the rear on Pierrepont Street was designed by Walker & Gillette. The building's facade is a study in luxury, utilizing white marble from Dover, New York, and polished pink granite from Milford, Massachusetts. One of its most striking features is the set of four monolithic Ionic columns. At the time of construction, these columns were said to be the largest blocks of marble ever quarried, with each individual block weighing 28 tons. Originally founded in 1889, the People's Trust Company occupied two other buildings on Montague Street before moving into this purpose-built headquarters in March 1906. The site was cleared of previous structures in 1904 to make way for the new bank. Recognized for its architectural significance, the building became a New York City designated landmark in 2017. It has remained intact and continued its banking tradition, housing various financial institutions over the years, including Citibank and more recently TD Bank.

Visitor tips

  • Look closely at the pink granite and white marble contrast on the facade.
  • Visit during weekday mornings to see the building in the context of the business district.
  • Since this is an active bank branch, keep your photography to the exterior of the building.

Nearby context

Situated on the north side of Montague Street between Clinton Street and Court Street, this building is a key part of the historic Bank Row in Brooklyn Heights, surrounded by other landmarked financial structures.

Sources

Evidence and links