[3] The bank officially opened to the public on July 14, 1866, at 161-02 Jamaica Avenue [4]—a year after the civil war—and operated out of the Queens County Clerk's office with 15 customers depositing a total of $2,675.00.

"[5] With the advent of the railroad and other transportation systems, Jamaica quickly developed into the economical and commercial hub of Queens County throughout the early-twentieth century.

The officers of the Jamaica Savings Bank at that time were George S. Downing, president; Supreme Court Justice Leander B. Faber, Robert W. Higbie and George K. Meynen, vice-presidents; Charles R. Doughty, treasurer; G. Warren Smith, secretary, and Richard W. Reeves, assistant secretary.

[6] On August 27, 1938, George S. Downing announced that the construction of the second Jamaica Savings Bank branch was underway and was expected to be completed on February 1, 1939.

The concave entrance continues the accents and it was given an annual architectural award for commercial buildings for innovation by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

[9] The award cites the fireproofing materials of gray glazed enamel brick, incorporation of stainless steel columns, and the exterior blue mosaic panels.

The original Jamaica Savings Bank building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983,[1] and a New York City Landmark in 2008.