Banks were once the backbones of neighborhoods. They lent money to local businesses and homeowners. They built things and gave money to things and played a central role in civil society. Obviously HSBC - a worldwide behemoth based in London - was a far cry from the local S&L's of lore. But it was MY multi-national corporate bank, and I'll miss it. And no, I won't be trekking out to Avenue D to do my banking, as the letter suggests.
The bigger question, though, is...who's going to rent this massive space now? There's precedent for pharmacies and gyms of course. Or maybe another bank will move in. Or...any suggestions?
3 comments:
Worrisome - so many old banking spaces have just become derelict or poorly utilized, their gorgeous details covered up. In terms of a new bank, may I suggest Astoria Federal, just a few blocks farther south on Flatbush, at Duryea Pl (just past the Loew's Kings Theatre) - friendly people, who actually remember your name and give you their direct contact info (not some anoymous 800 number) and FREE personal checking w no minimum balance! The also have offices on Seventh and Fifth Aves in Park Slope and at the Junction.
' their gorgeous details covered up'.
Or worse, torn down. There was a truly beautiful building on Church and Ocean which housed a bank. It was torn down and an ugly two-story building put up in its place.
Bummer. I use that HSBC too. It may ultimately be for the better, though. I rely on web banking and the HSBC website is TERRIBLE.
Post a Comment