Old-world design brings warmth and charm to a new bank branch

For the launch of its new bank branch in Mineola, N.Y., management at Madison National Bank desired a warm and inviting environment that would stand out on the dense commercial landscape of a suburban Long Island highway. Local firm JRS Architect responded with a 3,700-sf facility that features a towering brick chimney, high sloping roof, and turreted vestibule.

“We designed it so that upon entering, the customer is engulfed in an open, inviting and warm space,” said Marie McDonald, JRS interior designer. “This pleasing atmosphere has been achieved by the use of a wood-burning fireplace, a magnificent cathedral ceiling supported by Queen Anne trusses, wrought iron bronze chandeliers, and red and gold floral carpeting and upholstered chairs. Silk-screened floral prints on gold mesh decorate the interior walls.”

While the look is reminiscent of another time, the bank was constructed using modern materials and techniques. For instance, the team utilized rubber tiles to simulate slate roofing and exterior insulating finishing systems were used to simulate a heavy stone base, limestone face block construction, and trim.