Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower
A majestic Art Deco skyscraper, once Brooklyn's tallest, now a landmark residential tower with an iconic clock.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic Art Deco skyscraper, once Brooklyn's tallest, now a landmark residential tower with an iconic clock.
"A stunning building steeped in history, one of the most iconic buildings in Brooklyn."
📸 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Clock Tower
Exterior
Four monumental clock faces, each 27 feet wide, once served as a beacon across Brooklyn.
Art Deco Facade
Exterior
Intricate details and sculptures, including majestic eagle statues, adorn the building's exterior.

Historic Banking Hall (Event Space)
Interior (by reservation)
A breathtaking 63-ft vaulted ceiling space, meticulously restored, offering a glimpse into its past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Admire from the Outside
A Glimpse of History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
🕰️ A Time Capsule
Appreciate its history as a former bank and once tallest building in Brooklyn.
✨ Architectural Marvel
Admire the blend of Art Deco and Romanesque styles, a true urban treasure.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 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.
🕰️ A Time Capsule
Appreciate its history as a former bank and once tallest building in Brooklyn.
✨ Architectural Marvel
Admire the blend of Art Deco and Romanesque styles, a true urban treasure.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
The closest major transit hub is Atlantic Terminal, which serves numerous subway lines. Lafayette Avenue (B, Q, R) is also a convenient option.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The tower was completed in 1929, designed by the architectural firm Halsey, McCormack and Helmer.
It's a prime example of Art Deco architecture, with influences of Romanesque style, featuring intricate details and ornate sculptures.
No, it was originally built as the headquarters for the Williamsburgh Savings Bank. It was later converted into luxury condominiums.
It was once the tallest building in Brooklyn and symbolized the borough's financial strength and ambition. Its clock tower was a prominent landmark.
The historic banking hall boasts impressive 63-ft vaulted ceilings and was meticulously restored. It can be reserved for special events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
📸 Architecture Enthusiasts
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.
🏙️ Urban Explorers & Photographers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance and Style
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.
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.
From Bank to Luxury Residences
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.
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.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit