Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower (One Hanson) - Image 1
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Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower

5
·8 reviews·, United States

A majestic Art Deco skyscraper, once Brooklyn's tallest, now a landmark residential tower with an iconic clock.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower (One Hanson) - Image 1

Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A majestic Art Deco skyscraper, once Brooklyn's tallest, now a landmark residential tower with an iconic clock.

5
(8 reviews)

"A stunning building steeped in history, one of the most iconic buildings in Brooklyn."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots from street level, especially with the clock tower illuminated at night.

📍 Location, Location!

Find it at One Hanson Place, a prominent spot in Downtown Brooklyn, easily accessible by subway.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Clock Tower

The Grand Clock Tower

Exterior

Four monumental clock faces, each 27 feet wide, once served as a beacon across Brooklyn.

Art Deco Facade

Art Deco Facade

Exterior

Intricate details and sculptures, including majestic eagle statues, adorn the building's exterior.

Historic Banking Hall (Event Space)

Historic Banking Hall (Event Space)

Interior (by reservation)

A breathtaking 63-ft vaulted ceiling space, meticulously restored, offering a glimpse into its past.

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Admire from the Outside

While the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower is now luxury condos, its stunning Art Deco exterior and iconic clock tower are visible from many points in Downtown Brooklyn. Appreciate its grandeur without needing to enter.

A Glimpse of History

This landmark building, once the tallest in Brooklyn, offers a tangible connection to the borough's past. Its architectural significance is a major draw for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening
Why
Illuminated clock tower
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn Building is a true architectural gem in NYC. I’m so glad @jdsdevelopmentgroup preserved it while building @thebrooklyntower! 🙏
@urbanistariel
11.6K likes • 118.9K views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots from street level, especially with the clock tower illuminated at night. Instagram

📍 Location, Location!

Find it at One Hanson Place, a prominent spot in Downtown Brooklyn, easily accessible by subway. Instagram

Constructed in 1927, the landmarked building was once the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower, one of the largest clock towers in the world. Meticulously restored and converted to luxury condominiums in 2006. The historic banking hall with its revered interiors and 63-ft vaulted ceilings can be reserved for event space. 📍One Hanson Place, Brooklyn 😍
rina.longstreet.nyc
7 likes • 198 views
Hanson Place -> handsome place, get it? 😅 Despite it no longer being the tallest building in Brooklyn, the former Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower (completed in 1929) still stands out among the blander modern towers of Downtown Brooklyn. Sources/recommended reading: -Urban Omnibus, "From the Archives: The Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower," Cassim Shepard and Daniel Rojo, 2012 -New York Times, "Fo...
shilohinthecity
663 likes • 12.8K views

🕰️ A Time Capsule

Appreciate its history as a former bank and once tallest building in Brooklyn. InstagramReddit

✨ Architectural Marvel

Admire the blend of Art Deco and Romanesque styles, a true urban treasure. Instagram+1

Built in 1929 as the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower, 1 Hanson Place once symbolized Brooklyn’s financial power. Its four monumental clock faces—each 27 feet wide—made it a timekeeping beacon across the borough. Designed in an ornate blend of Art Deco and Romanesque styles, the tower served generations of Brooklynites before being converted into condos in the early 2000s. Have you noticed this ...
newyorkcityclocks
16 likes • 454 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture stunning shots from street level, especially with the clock tower illuminated at night. Instagram

📍 Location, Location!

Find it at One Hanson Place, a prominent spot in Downtown Brooklyn, easily accessible by subway. Instagram

🕰️ A Time Capsule

Appreciate its history as a former bank and once tallest building in Brooklyn. InstagramReddit

✨ Architectural Marvel

Admire the blend of Art Deco and Romanesque styles, a true urban treasure. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

5
(8 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower as a stunning architectural gem and an iconic Brooklyn landmark. Its grand Art Deco design and imposing clock tower are frequently highlighted as major draws, evoking a sense of history and awe. While interior access is limited due to its conversion into residences, the exterior alone is considered a worthwhile sight for its historical significance and visual appeal.

"was oldest Tallest in downtown Brooklyn"

mcLa twofivesix

"My mommy worked here and O used to meet her after work for dinner at Junior's."

Valerie Johnson

"Although I couldn't go inside, the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower 🏛️ is a stunning building steeped in history 🕰️. Just standing outside makes you feel like you're in another era. One of the most iconic buildings in Brooklyn 🗽. Worth stopping by for photos and to admire its architecture 🧱📸. A true urban treasure! 🏙️❤️"

Victor Pepin

What People Like

Stunning Art Deco architecture
Iconic clock tower
Historic landmark status

What People Dislike

Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The tower is located at One Hanson Place in Downtown Brooklyn. It's easily accessible via multiple subway lines, including the B, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, 5, and D trains, all stopping nearby at Atlantic Terminal or Lafayette Ave. Instagram

While street parking can be challenging in Downtown Brooklyn, several parking garages are available near Atlantic Terminal. Consider using a ride-sharing service or public transport for convenience. TikTok

Yes, the exterior of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower is publicly accessible. You can walk around the base of the building to admire its architecture from different angles. Reddit

The closest major transit hub is Atlantic Terminal, which serves numerous subway lines. Lafayette Avenue (B, Q, R) is also a convenient option. Instagram

Downtown Brooklyn is a busy urban area and generally considered safe for walking during the day and early evening. Always be aware of your surroundings. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The building has been converted into luxury condominiums. While the residential units are private, the historic banking hall is available to reserve for events. Instagram

There is no admission fee to view the exterior of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower. It's a landmark building that can be admired from the street. Reddit

The exterior can be viewed at any time, as it's a prominent part of the Brooklyn skyline. The best time for photography is during daylight hours or at night when the clock tower is illuminated. Instagram

Information on reserving the historic banking hall for events is typically handled by the building's management or event rental services. You would need to contact them directly for availability and pricing. Instagram

Official public tours of the interior are not generally available due to its residential nature. However, architectural walking tours of Brooklyn may sometimes include this landmark. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

For iconic shots, stand across the street on Hanson Place or from nearby vantage points in Downtown Brooklyn. The illuminated clock tower at night is particularly striking. Instagram+1

Access to the interior is restricted as it's a private residential building. Photos are generally limited to the exterior unless you are a resident or attending a private event. Instagram

Daylight hours offer clear views of the architectural details, while evenings provide a dramatic backdrop with the illuminated clock tower. Golden hour can also yield beautiful results. Instagram

Focus on the grand clock faces, the ornate Art Deco facade, the eagle statues, and the overall imposing structure that once symbolized Brooklyn's financial power. Instagram+1

Drone photography in New York City is heavily regulated. You would need to comply with all FAA and local regulations, which typically require permits and adherence to flight restrictions. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

The tower was completed in 1929, designed by the architectural firm Halsey, McCormack and Helmer. Instagram+1

It's a prime example of Art Deco architecture, with influences of Romanesque style, featuring intricate details and ornate sculptures. Instagram+1

No, it was originally built as the headquarters for the Williamsburgh Savings Bank. It was later converted into luxury condominiums. Instagram+1

It was once the tallest building in Brooklyn and symbolized the borough's financial strength and ambition. Its clock tower was a prominent landmark. Instagram+1

The historic banking hall boasts impressive 63-ft vaulted ceilings and was meticulously restored. It can be reserved for special events. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While you can't go inside the residential units, families can still enjoy admiring the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower from the outside. Point out the giant clock faces and the eagle statues to kids, making it a fun visual history lesson. The building's impressive scale is sure to capture their imagination. Instagram+1

Nearby, Junior's Restaurant is a classic Brooklyn spot that many remember visiting after work at the bank, making it a potential stop for a family-friendly meal. The surrounding Downtown Brooklyn area also offers other attractions and open spaces for a pleasant stroll. Reddit

📸 Architecture Enthusiasts

For architecture lovers, the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower is a must-see. Its Art Deco design and Romanesque influences are exceptionally well-preserved, making it a prime example of early 20th-century skyscraper architecture. Take time to study the intricate facade details, sculptures, and the iconic clock tower. Instagram+1

Consider visiting during different times of day to capture the building's changing moods. The illuminated clock tower at night offers a dramatic and unforgettable sight. You can also research the building's history as the former tallest in Brooklyn and its role in the borough's financial past. InstagramReddit

🏙️ Urban Explorers & Photographers

Urban explorers and photographers will find the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower a compelling subject. Its prominent location in Downtown Brooklyn provides numerous angles for capturing its grandeur. The illuminated clock tower at night is a particularly popular subject for photographers. Instagram+1

While interior access is limited, the exterior offers a wealth of detail. Look for unique perspectives from street level, and consider incorporating the surrounding urban landscape into your shots. The building's historical significance as a former bank and its architectural style make it a rewarding photographic challenge. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance and Style

The Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower, now known as One Hanson Place, is a monumental achievement in Art Deco architecture. Designed by Halsey, McCormack and Helmer and completed in 1929, it was a symbol of Brooklyn's burgeoning financial power. Its design blends the grandeur of Romanesque Revival with the sleekness of Art Deco, evident in its intricate detailing, setbacks, and the iconic four-faced clock tower. The building's imposing scale and ornate facade were intended to convey stability and prestige. Instagram+1

One of its most striking features is the historic banking hall, characterized by its 63-foot vaulted ceilings and meticulously restored interiors. This space, along with the building's exterior, is recognized as a New York City Landmark, preserving its architectural integrity for future generations. The tower also held the distinction of being the tallest building in Brooklyn until 2010, a testament to its ambitious design and construction. Instagram+1

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the tower's design was influenced by its function. The clock faces, each 27 feet in diameter, were not just decorative but served as a prominent timekeeping beacon visible across the borough. The building's original purpose as a bank headquarters is reflected in its solid, imposing presence, designed to inspire confidence and awe. Instagram

From Bank to Luxury Residences

The Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower underwent a significant transformation from its original purpose as a bustling financial institution to its current status as a prestigious residential building. After serving as the headquarters for the Williamsburgh Savings Bank for many years, the building was converted into luxury condominiums in the mid-2000s. This conversion aimed to preserve the building's historic character while adapting it for modern living. Instagram+1

This conversion has allowed the public to appreciate the building's architectural splendor from a new perspective. While direct access to the residential units is private, the historic banking hall has been preserved and is available for event rentals, offering a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of its past. This dual use ensures that the building remains a vibrant part of the Brooklyn landscape. Instagram

Living in One Hanson Place offers residents a unique opportunity to inhabit a piece of New York City history. The apartments often feature high ceilings and large windows, capitalizing on the building's original structure and offering stunning views of the city. This blend of historic architecture and modern luxury makes it a highly sought-after address. Instagram+1

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