Landmarks designates building over owner’s objection. On March 29, 2005, Landmarks designated the Germania Bank Building, the 1898 Beaux Art Bank located at the intersection of Bowery and Spring Street, as an individual landmark over the current owner’s objection. Considered one of the most important designs of Robert Maynicke, the six-story, granite and brick facade building has large arched openings on the ground and fifth floor with voussoirs topped with a detailed cornice.

At the March 29, 2004 designation hearing, Landmarks re-opened the public hearing to allow the current owner, Linda Maisel, to testify against the designation. Maisel, noting that her husband purchased the bank in 1966 for use as their home, claimed that her family would suffer severe economic hardship if burdened with the upkeep of an individual landmark. Landmarks approved the designation, explaining that it was well documented that a designation increases a building’s value. (read more…)