Gere Building
Address |
119 E. Water St. Syracuse, NY 13202 (map) |
Area |
Armory Square |
Possibly Syracusan Charles Colton's finest work, this former bank is a
notable adaptation of the style developed by Louis Sullivan in the
1890s for tall buildings. The facade has three unique sections;
combined, they form a unified whole. On the street level there are a
number of Roman details, while the second floor forms a transition
between the massive first story and the lighter upper portion.
Vertical lines are emphasized in the three upper floors and are topped
by a wide projecting cornice of delicately ornamented terra-cotta
panels. The use of fine materials includes granite, light brick and
terra-cotta. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the
building was designed for Congressman James J. Belden, who named it for
his father-in-law, Robert Gere. Inside, the building retains much
original detail, including iron stairwells, marble floors and
wainscoting. Each floor has two fireplaces and several remain complete
with ornate marble and paneling. Some of Colton's original frosted
glass with Gere's initals remain in the window.
The Downtown Neighborhoods
Armory Square • Downtown East • Hanover Square
