Building is bold expression of mid-twentieth century engineering. On June 28, 2005, Landmarks designated the former Jamaica Savings Bank located on a diamond-shaped parcel at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 56th Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens. The unique building, constructed in 1966-68, features a 116-foot long curved copper-clad roof that rises from a low floor-to-ceiling height to a 43-foot height at the Queens Boulevard facade. At the public hearings, North Fork Bank, the owner, strongly opposed the designation and provided expert testimony relating to its flooding and structural problems. 2 CityLand 43 (Apr. 15, 2005). In approving, Landmarks noted the building was a standout in terms of shape and unique design and a striking example of 1960’s popular modernist architecture. (read more…)