Citibank (Great Neck Plaza, New York) | savings bank, historical building

 savings bank, historical building

In 1916 the Great Neck Trust Company, now Citibank, built its headquarters at the corner of Middle Neck Road and Grace Avenue. The Greek classical facade includes towering pilasters, a full cornice entablature, ionic columns and an expansive lobby. Its size and visibility indicated that the bank was a major financial resource for the community. The interior has been gutted, but the exterior is a local landmark.

This symmetrical, rectangular bank building is located on the corner of Grace Avenue and Middle Neck Road, and only its west (Middle Neck Rd.) and north (Grace Ave.) elevations are visible from the street. It is almost completely faced in limestone except for its slate base. Repeating two-story Corinthian pilasters, bracketed by unadorned end bays, delineate the street facades. The full-height, 12-over-12 windows are enframed in rusticated pilasters and topped with stone medallions with a floral motif in relief. The stone on either side of each medallion is scored to imitate fluting. While the west elevation evokes a simple temple front, from Grace Avenue the effect is of a solid and monumental structure.

The entrance was originally on Middle Neck Road but was moved to Grace Avenue. In a historical photo on display in Village Hall the inscription “Great Neck Trust Company” is visible in the frieze along Grace Avenue. The interior of the bank has been completely modernized.

greatneckplaza.net/index.asp?SEC=4483003E-1A44-4631-89E...
newscomwc.newspapers.com/article/the-brooklyn-daily-eag...
www.loopnet.com/Listing/51-Middle-Neck-Rd-Great-Neck-NY...