Apr 9 2007
A unique architectural design serves as a cornerstone to the brand image of the new Madison National Bank.
The new bank building is the creation of JRS Architect. P.C., one of the nation's leading bank architectural and design firms. The design was based upon Madison National Bank's vision to have their bank reflect a warm and inviting environment.
The almost 3,700-square foot branch with its towering brick chimney, high sloping roof and turreted vestibule stands out from current landscape of businesses along Merrick Road, the busy main street of this Long Island South Shore community.
Conceived to be distinctively unique, the new Madison National branch is based on American revival architecture of the mid to late 19th Century, a style called Richardson Romanesque and named after architect Henry Hobson Richardson, whose masterpiece is Trinity Church in Boston.
Richardson's style is characterized by massive stone walls and dramatic semicircular arches over windows and entranceways, rounded towers with conical roofs whose counterpoint resides in the dynamism of interior space.
"The bank's founders wanted something that was different, eye catching and reminiscent of old world design, coupled with the benefits of the latest building technology and products", said the architect, John R. Sorrenti, F.A.I.A., President of JRS.
"JRS did an exquisite job in executing the concept that we envisioned," said Daniel L. Murphy, Founder, Director, Chairman and CEO of Madison National Bank, a highly recognized and respected executive in the banking industry.
The interior is equally as unique as the exterior. "We designed it so that upon entering, the customer is engulfed in an open, inviting and warm space. This pleasing atmosphere has been achieved by use of a burning fireplace, a magnificent cathedral ceiling supported by Queen Ann trusses, wrought iron bronze chandeliers and red and gold floral carpeting and upholstered chairs. Silk-screened floral prints on gold mesh decorate the interior walls" said JRS interior designer, Marie McDonald.
"It's relaxed and inviting. It's very rich and textured," said Mr. Sorrenti. "We made it comfortable and warm."
Michael Puorro, also a Founder, Director and President of Madison National Bank, said, "We have achieved our initial goal of combining brand, image and state of the art financial processing systems to service the entire gamut of retail and lending customers."
Though its look is reminiscent of another time, the bank was constructed using modern materials and techniques. "With demanding schedules and today's construction budgets and new materials, many of the details and time consuming methods used to create this style during it's time had to be made more simple and efficient," said Ray Maggiore, Design Manager at JRS.
The JRS design utilizes rubber tiles to simulate slate roofing and exterior insulating finishing systems were used to simulate a heavy stone base, limestone face block construction and trims. The chimney, however, was constructed in real face brick and was designed both to fit to the building's scale and to provide identification for the new start up bank.
Whimsical walkways and street lights that recall the gaslight era embellish the bank's landscaping.
Bonnie Seider, Madison's Director of Capital Markets, who also directs the bank's marketing programs, said that she has received much unsolicited feedback from community residents and business people about the design and its positive impact on the local landscape. Ms. Seider also remarked that the genesis of the Madison brand coupled with ready recognition was imperative prior to the bank's opening. Ms. Seider said that a second branch already is under construction on Route 110 in Melville and that an aggressive branch construction plan has been established.