ALDEN STATE BANK

RESTORING A BANK, REVIVING A LEGACY

Founded in 1916, Alden State Bank has been a pillar of stability in its community for over a century. Its original home at 13200 Broadway, designed by Buffalo architect Herbert C. Swain, opened in 1925 and withstood decades of change and challenges, including the Great Depression. After relocating in 1963, the building became home to the Alden Advertiser until 2022, when the bank made the symbolic decision to return to its original address, honoring its heritage and community roots. 

Working alongside Young + Wright Architectural, BRD Construction, and Preservation Studios, the team embarked on a restoration journey that blended historic preservation with modern functionality. Original woodwork was cleaned and preserved, windows and masonry were carefully restored, and ADA accessibility was seamlessly integrated. Updated lighting and furnishings transformed the former newspaper office back into a fully operational bank as well. The sustainable approach of repurposing an almost 100-year-old structure avoided the environmental cost of demolition and new construction. 

The project was completed in 2024 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, while the community celebrated the return of a beloved landmark. Guided by its motto, “Giving Back Since 1916,” the bank proved that investing in history can shape the future, creating a space that is as functional as it is timeless.