After More Than a Century of Change, This Iconic Greenpoint Building Still Looks Splendid

Longtime readers will recognize this grand Renaissance Revival building as the image that used to grace the top of this website. The former Mechanics and Traders Bank of Brooklyn has stood on its bustling street corner for more than 121 years, changing little even as the surrounding neighborhood was constantly evolving.

Built in 1895, the building at 144 Franklin Street has gracefully arched Romanesque windows and ornamented terra-cotta trim. At the time of construction, Franklin Street was a high-traffic turnpike linking Williamsburg with Astoria, and the bank building was designed to be the grandest on the block.

The above photo — a Brooklyn Daily Eagle postcard from the Brooklyn Historical Society — was taken between 1905 and 1907 and shows the great number of telephone, electric and cable wires criss-crossing the street back in the day. Back then the neighborhood was a thriving industrial and arts hub.

The neighborhood declined following World War II, but proved an affordable nabe for immigrants from Poland who brought their language, traditions and foods to Greenpoint’s streets. Then, in the early ’90s, younger newcomers started renting in the area.

The building at 144 Franklin was turned into a co-op in 1984 and half of the structure hit the market in November for $3 million.

From shipping and manufacturing mecca to “Little Poland” and trendy hangout, Greenpoint’s seen a lot over the years. But a time traveler from 1905 could stand on the corner of Franklin Street and Greenpoint Avenue and see a familiar sight.

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