First National Bank Building (United Bank Building). New York City, New York — 1921

First National Bank Building (United Bank Building) was a historic 19th-century commercial building located at the corner of Broadway and Wall Street (88–92 Broadway / 2 Wall Street) in New York City's Financial District. Designed by the architectural firm Peabody & Stearns and completed in 1880–1881, it served as the headquarters for the First National Bank of the City of New York until its demolition in 1931–1932.

Architectural & Historical Highlights

• Architecture & Design. Designed by George A. Fuller of Peabody & Stearns, the structure stood nine to ten stories tall. It featured a rough brownstone facade, wide bluestone stairs, Gothic dormers, corner gargoyles, and a mansard roof.

• Early Occupants. Upon opening in 1881, the building housed both the First National Bank (organized in 1863) and the National Bank of the Republic. The two institutions installed massive safes weighing over 60,000 pounds in total.

• Technological Milestones. The building was notable for featuring two steam-powered elevators. On March 3, 1882, it became the very first customer of the New York Steam Corporation, receiving commercial district steam service.

• Demolition & Successor. Excavation work for the neighboring Bankers Trust Building (14 Wall Street) severely damaged the structure's foundation, leading the Building Department to condemn it in October 1931. 

It was demolished in 1931–1932 and replaced on the same site by the 21-story First National Bank Building at 2 Wall Street, designed by Walker & Gillette.