Two Queens Buildings Designated as Landmarks

The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously yesterday to grant landmark status — for the third time — to the former headquarters of Jamaica Savings Bank, a 110-year-old Beaux-Arts style building located at 161-02 Jamaica Ave. in Queens. Completed in 1898, the four-story, limestone-fronted Jamaica Savings Bank building was designed by the architecture firm Hough & Duell. The two prior designations occurred in 1974 and 1992 but were rescinded by the Board of Estimate and by the City Council, respectively. Opposition came from Community Board 12, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, which called the building "an eyesore," and the owner of the building, Fred Stark, who argued that the designation could impose a financial hardship. The commission also designated Congregation Tifereth Israel, which is believed to be the oldest purpose-built synagogue in Queens. The two designations bring the total number of buildings with landmark status in Queens to 2,328.