描述
**City Savings Bank Building**
**Art by:** Chris Hytha
**Story by:** Mark Houser
Most of this building is actually an addition. The left side was the original 10-story skyscraper, designed by Marcus Reynolds, a prominent and well-connected local architect. Two decades later in 1922, the bank brought back Reynolds for a major expansion project that added six more window bays and the central clock tower, plus a large addition in the rear.
Reynolds, who designed numerous Albany landmarks including the castle-like Delaware and Hudson Building and the domed Albany Trust Building, had his offices in this highrise. So did the Thachers, an industrial and political dynasty who ran the bank and a railcar wheel works and could boast of three members elected mayor of the city between 1860 and 1940.
The main hall in the middle, once used for banking, is now used for banqueting. Marble pillars with gilded capitals soar above the potted palms, supporting a dramatic vaulted ceiling. The original side has a metallic coffered ceiling and a bronze arched doorway leading into the event space. Passersby are likely unaware that one pair of winged lions leering down at them from above is considerably younger than the pair a few steps up the sidewalk.
