HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY BUILDING AND STRUCTURES Norwich Heritage Trust, Inc, P.O.Box 185 Norwich, CT 06360	This Building sponsored by Rose City Renaissance
Building Name: Norwich Savings Society	Historic Name: Norwich Savings Society
Town/City: Norwich	County: New London
Address:162-164	Street: Main Street
Owners:Norwich Savings Society, 162-4 Main Street, Norwich Ct.	Private
Present Use: Bank	Historic Use Bank
Exterior is viewable to public	Interior is accessible	Explain: open during banking hours
Style of Building: Chateauesque	Construction Date: 1894, 1975
Materials Cut Stone - granite	Structural System Load Bearing Masonry
Roof Gable Asphalt Shingle
Stories: 2.5	Dimensions: 60 X 40
Structural Condition: Good	Exterior Condition: Good
Alterations: Addition on Main Street side
Outbuildings:
Environment: commercial High Building Density

Interrelationship of Building and Surroundings:

The Norwich Savings Society occupies a critical corner lot at the intersection of Main St. and Broadway. The facade is designed to match the curve of the intersection. In style and material it acts as a foil to the less elaborate brick buildings around it. The demolition of a building on the Broadway Street side of the building has created a break in the otherwise continuous street-scape.

Features:

The first floor consists of a series of round-arched window openings separated by pilasters of rock-faced granite. Sash is paired within each opening - a single light sash with a two-light one above, and a two-light transom above this. Over each pair is a semicircular light with mullions radiating from a central point. The main entrance is also in a round-arched opening with a rock-faced arch. The keystone of the arch is sculpted in the form of a bearded head. The second floor features paired round-arched windows with 1-over-1 double-hung sash within pilasters. A belt course defines the springing line of the arches, double-hung sash within pilasters. A belt course defines the springing line of the arches, above which the stone surface is decorated with a very ornate floral pattern. Large dormers are set into the gable roof with paired round-arched windows with 1-over-1 double-hung sash set in a pilastered surround. The gables of the dormers are shaped or molded.Between the dormers is a stone railing and balustrade with a pierced design. Smaller dormers set behind this also have shaped gables. 1-over-1 rectangular double-hung sash are used. The Main Street addition is somewhat smaller in scale than the original. Windows are set in a two story arcade. First and second floor windows are round arched, but not of the same proportions as those of the original building. Two story vertical strips of wood divide the windows in thirds. The surface of the addition is covered with a pebble aggregate.

Architect:

Builder:

Importance:

The Norwich Savings Society was founded in 1824, the second oldest savings bank in Connecticut. During the 19th century, it was the dominant financial institution in downtown Norwich, as it remains today. The Norwich Savings Society was a major lender to downtown businessmen, funding much of the development of the downtown. The Chateauesque design of the bank is unique in downtown Norwich and an excellent example of the style. The facade is also found in the Shannon Building on the opposite corner.

Sources:

Building Evaluation Form, 1979

Harby, Stephen W., Norwich Ct. A Guide to its Architecture, 1926

Lewis Hist. Publishing Co. History of Connecticut Vol. III, 1962, p.66

Marshall, Benjamin Tinkham, Modern History of New London County, 1922, pages 433, 567.

Read, Eleanor B. and Nettles, Diane, Norwich: Century of Growth 1976

Tyler, Norwich Early Homes, 1906 p. 17

Evaluations:

Threats None Private