Key Bank - Central New York District Headquarters

Originally built in 1914 as First Trust and Deposit, Key Bank’s landmark building stands as a distinguished example of the Neoclassical Revival style. This steel-frame structure is clad in granite, marble, and terra cotta, featuring grand pedimented entrances framed by modified Corinthian columns and three-story fluted pilasters. The facades are further accentuated with intricate dentil crown molding, reinforcing the building’s historic character.

One of the project’s key challenges was the building’s Eastern wall, which became an unsightly blank concrete façade after the adjacent Yates Hotel was demolished in 1971. Visible from City Hall and a nearby parking lot, this stark wall detracted from the area’s architectural continuity.
<br. ZFSA was commissioned to design a new East façade that seamlessly replicated the original structure’s details. Using plaster and rubber molds, we captured the intricate profiles of the existing columns, pilasters, and moldings, then cast them in durable, stone-textured materials such as Dryvit. Spandrel glass was incorporated to mimic the rhythm of the original windows, restoring balance to the building’s aesthetic.

To enhance the streetscape, we designed a small public space at the base of the new façade, incorporating seating, pavers, and lighting for an inviting pedestrian experience. Additionally, extensive renovations were made to the interior banking hall and office spaces, while a new drive-thru teller building was constructed across the street. This auxiliary structure was thoughtfully designed with Neoclassical details, reinforcing Key Bank’s architectural identity within the district.