American Bank Note Company’s printing plant serves as an example of early 20th century industrial architecture. On February 5, 2008, Landmarks voted to designate the America Banknote Company printing plant. Constructed in 1911 by architecture firm Kirby Petite & Green, the Round Arch-style plant includes Gothic details and a nine-story tower with a crenellated parapet. The plant printed bank notes, stocks, bonds, checks, and possibly dollar bills, until it closed in 1984.

At the public hearing on January 15th, the current owner of the plant, Taconic Investment Partners, testified in support of designation and stated its desire to develop the plant while respecting its historical architecture. 5 CityLand 14 (Feb. 15, 2008).

At the designation vote, Landmarks Chair Robert B. Tierney singled out Taconic’s CEO, Charles Bendit saying he appreciated “what you have done, and what you will be doing.” Commissioner and Bronx resident Stephen Byrns called the plant “a landmark in every sense of the word,” while Commissioner Roberta Brandes-Gratz emphasized its social, economic, and architectural significance for the local community. Echoing Brandes-Gratz, Commissioner Pablo E. Vengoechea stated that “we need to add landmarks to the Bronx.”

The Commission voted unanimously to designate.

LPC: American Bank Note Company Printing Plant, 1201 Lafayette Ave., Bronx (LP-2298) (Feb. 5, 2008).