What is the Brooklyn Trust Company Building known for?

It is a limestone building designed in the Renaissance Revival style, modeled after the Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Verona. It is recognized as both an interior and exterior New York City landmark and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

What does the interior of the building look like?

The ground-floor banking hall features a vaulted ceiling, chandeliers, and Cosmati mosaic flooring.

When was the building constructed?

The building was constructed between 1913 and 1916. The northern section opened in September 1915, and the southern section was completed in September 1916.

What is the building used for now?

The ground floor operates as a Chase Bank branch. As of 2015, the upper floors were being converted from office space into 12 boutique condominium units, including four duplexes.

Who designed the building?

The building was designed by architects York and Sawyer.

What should I check before going?

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

Brooklyn Trust Company Building in New York City

What to know

The Brooklyn Trust Company Building is a limestone masterpiece of the Renaissance Revival style, designed by the architectural firm York and Sawyer. Modeled after the Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Verona, Italy, the structure was constructed between 1913 and 1916 on a site bounded by Montague, Clinton, and Pierrepont Streets. Its construction occurred in two distinct phases, with the northern section opening in September 1915 and the southern section completing in September 1916. Historically, this building served as the headquarters for the Brooklyn Trust Company, an institution that played a vital role in the Brooklyn community from its founding after the Civil War until its mid-20th century consolidation. The ground floor continues to operate as a Chase Bank branch, allowing visitors to experience the splendid banking hall. This interior space is characterized by a vaulted ceiling, chandeliers, and intricate Cosmati mosaic flooring, which was designated as a city landmark in 1996. Beyond its architectural significance, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 for its importance to local commerce and architecture. The upper floors, which previously served as office space, were converted into 12 boutique condominium units, including four duplexes, by 2015. Recent efforts to maintain the building's legacy include a proposal to repair and restore its historic arched windows at 177 Montague Street.

Visitor tips

Enter the Chase Bank branch on the ground floor to view the vaulted ceiling and Cosmati mosaic flooring.
Look closely at the limestone facade to see the Renaissance Revival details modeled after the Palazzo della Gran Guardia.
Allow about 15-20 minutes for a quick visit to the banking hall and the exterior architecture.

Nearby context

Located at the intersection of Montague and Clinton Streets in Brooklyn Heights, this building stands as a testament to the early 20th-century commercial wealth of the borough.