Soffes Wood to design four bank branches. (Design and Development).

North Fork Bank has hired Soffes Wood Architecture & Interiors to design four new branch offices in Manhattan based on four leases that have been signed as of mid-April 2002. The locations are all in Midtown at high-density pedestrian areas. Consistent with the bank's strategy of creating neighborhood-specific branch offices, Soffes Wood will develop appropriate and totally different interiors at each location.

At the Graybar Building at 420 Lexington Ave., the 6,300 SF space will be accessible from both the street and the concourse of the Grand Central Terminal. In two bays that had formerly been two stores, Soffes Wood will create one grand space on three levels. The plan emphasizes transparency. Eliot Soffes, the project's principal architect, notes that "If all goes according to plan, for the first time pedestrians will be able to see through from Lexington Ave. into the Grand Central arcade, which we think will be really exciting." The bank will be styled in the tradition of an Art Deco banking hall, including design details that relate directly to the architecture of the Graybar Building.

The Union Square location, at 31 E. 17th St., is on the north side of Union Square Park but goes through to E. 18th St., where an entrance will be created at number 36. On the 17th Street side, where there is also a street-front doorway, Soffes Wood is designing a banking lounge, an ATM foyer, and consumer-banking services in a loft-like environment. Small business and private banking services will be emphasized on the 18th St. side. The new design incorporates a rooftop deck with a view onto Union Square that will be used by the bank for receptions.

The 4,800 SF space at 424 Madison Ave. is being conceived as a very grand, traditional bank interior. Soffes Wood's work will feature a series of groin vaults, mullions, and an interior design that feels like a private club. With many corporate headquarters, elegant hotels, and prestigious residences nearby, the new bank branch will feel as if it's always been there.

The fourth branch will be located at 1166 Ave. of the Americas at 45th Street Here the design will be open and contemporary, with clean lines that relate to the International Style skyscrapers along Avenue and a bold color palate. A series of themed photography collections will be displayed on easels facing the sidewalk for passers-by to enjoy. The design work at these locations is in addition to two new North Fork Soho branches presently under construction at 594 Broadway and at the corner of Broome and Lafayette Streets.