74 Hugh J. Grant Circle
1940-42, Halsey, McCormack & Helmer

Founded in 1887, the Dollar Savings Bank was the first savings institution organized in The Bronx. Its founders were local businessmen, and the funds were used to finance improvements in the borough. The sustained growth of the institution prompted its fourth president, Howell Taylor Manson, to start an expansion campaign in 1926, with the first branch office opening at Grand Concourse in 1932. By 1936, Dollar Savings had become the 18th largest bank in the country. Following the opening of the Parkchester Complex, the bank purchased a lot at the southeast corner of 177th Street and Hugh J. Grant Circle to build a new branch office, with architect Adolf L. Muller of Halsey, McCormack & Helmer heading the design. The firm specialized in bank buildings, with works like the Williamsburg Savings Bank, and the main headquarters for the Dollar Savings Bank (NYC Landmark, 1992). The interior had murals by renowned artist Arthur Crisp, who also created pieces for other branches of the bank.