Webster Bank, New Haven, CT

The style of this bank at 80 Elm Street is art moderne, a stripped down version of a classical bank. It was designed by architect Roy W. Foote in 1948 for the First Federal Savings & Loan Association of New Haven. Foote was a prolific local architect, who designed in a variety of styles. As he opened his own firm in 1912, his work ranged from examples of traditional revival and classical styles to more modern buildings to hybrids like the bank above. He collaborated on several buildings with Douglas Orr, another noted architect who was mentioned on this blog recently, including on New Haven’s first housing project. Interestingly, the site was previously home to St. Thomas’s Episcopal Church, constructed in 1848. According to A Guide to Historic New Haven, Connecticut by Colin M. Caplan, a portion of the church structure was incorporated into the bank building.

This entry was posted in Connecticut. Bookmark the permalink.

3 Responses to Webster Bank, New Haven, CT

  1. chris says:

    This is the 1848 church. You can still see the original peaked roof from the rear.

  2. Chris says:

    Demolition for a new hotel began 2 December 2019. The developer resolutely refused to consider reusing the church/bank building, which would have made a handsome lobby.

  3. Chris says:

    Correction: 1854 church. The 1848 building was a temporary one.
    As of January 2020 the building is being demolished. Developers refused to consider reusing any of it for their new hotel. Story and photos here: https://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/hidden_church_revealed/

Leave a comment