The Landmarks Preservation Commission on March 28 designated the old Germania Bank building at 190 Bowery at the northwest corner of Spring St. as the city’s 1,119th individual landmark.
The six-story granite and brick Beaux Arts-style building was completed in 1899 on the design of Robert Maynicke, an architect who studied at Cooper Union and worked for the architect George B. Post before co-founding his own firm.
“Although this monumental Beaux Arts building has changed uses through the years, its essential structural integrity has remained unchanging in this constantly evolving neighborhood,” said Robert B. Tierney, chairperson of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The landmark was the third home of Germania Bank, founded in 1869 by local businessmen of German descent. The bank’s name changed in 1917 to Commonwealth Bank and was later acquired by Manufacturers Hanover Trust. A photo supply firm and other tenants now occupy the building.
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