Downtown Doodler: Williamsburgh Savings Bank ArchiDoodle

The Williamsburgh Savings Bank has many intricate architectural details that caught my eye. From the mosaic Zodiac constillations, to the Rene Chambellan wrought iron doors, to the carved window details to the iconic dome all caught my eye. But for this archidoodle I focused on all the arches and some of the carvings. As an added bonus I got a few chuckles while reading about it’s rich history:

• The Williamsburgh Saving Bank Tower was deemed the “Most Phallic Building in the World” by James Ames and inspired a contest of the same name run by Cabinet magazine.
• Most of building’s offices were dentists’ offices; and it was nicknamed the ‘The Mecca of Dentistry’.
• Find out why Williamsburgh Savings Bank has an “h” at the end of Williamsburg!
• The building was declared a New York City landmark in 1977.
• Magic Johnson, yes the basketball player, converted the building into luxury loft condominiums in 2007.
• The Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower was the tallest building in Brooklyn until 2010 when the Brooklyner was opened.

You can get this design as an iPhone case, print and more on Society6. Get in touch with the Downtown Doodler on  Twitter  and  Facebook. Check out more from the  Downtown Doodler on Untapped. She is also available for commissions.

Have a great week!