Dry Dock Savings Bank, New York City, New York, Competition Design Drawing 1858

Peter Bonnett Wight made this competition design drawing of the Dry Dock Savings Bank in New York City. During the late 19th century, architectural design became a profession deeply entangled with the socio-economic dynamics of a rapidly industrializing America. Wight, like many architects of his time, navigated the complexities of class, taste, and the imperative to create civic structures that symbolized progress and stability. His design, while rooted in the Gothic Revival style—a nod to tradition—also sought to create a new narrative around banking and the role of financial institutions in society. This building stands as a symbol of commerce, of progress, and, perhaps, of a certain kind of civic aspiration. It is a reminder of the narratives we construct around our institutions and spaces. Wight's design prompts us to reflect on the values and stories we embed in our built environment.