The Bar Building

The Bar Building built in 1926, represents one of the few intact examples of an early twentieth-century high-rise commercial building in Westchester County. The Bar Building was designed by well known New York City architect Benjamin I. Levitan and constructed by Court Realty company. The building was named for its location in the financial district and for the occupation of most of its tenants, lawyers.

Distinguished by its Gothic Ornamentation, it was a major addition to the thriving local business area in White Plains. Standing 10 stories tall at 125 feet, it was the tallest building in White Plains at that time, the style of the building is described as in the Art Deco style. It is one of the few remaining large-scale historic buildings of its kind in White Plains.

The Bar Building is located on Main Street, originally it stood opposite the Court House and alongside several other buildings of historical significance: The Kennedy Building (1902), North Court Building (1930), Grace Church (1850), Lawyers Title Building(1925), City Hall(1926), and Home Savings Bank(1923). These Buildings along with the Bar Building were the center of the legal and financial district of White Plains. 

The Bar Building was erected primarily for the Legal Profession, however, over the years it has included other tenants from various other professions such as architects, real estate and insurance brokers as well as the White Plains Chamber of Commerce. Since it was built, the Bar Building has contributed greatly to the development of the downtown area in White Plains and continues to serve the community. Since its construction, the building has not changed much and retains much of its architectural integrity and style to this day. 

1. "History of White Plains | White Plains, NY." White Plains, NY - Official Website | Official Website. Accessed December 10, 2020. https://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/469/History-of-White-Plains.
2. The Bar Building, National Register of Historic Places. Accessed November 12th 2020.
3. "What’s in a Name? White Plains’ Bar Building." Sandy's Written Creations. Last modified July 18, 2020. https://sandraharrison1954.com/2016/03/12/whats-in-a-name-the-bar-building/.