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The Federal Reserve system is a decentralized banking structure that was
organized in 1913 to safeguard the nation's money. This facility is one
of 12 branches that were built to help regulate the American currency and
stabilize the economy. New York's branch of the Federal Reserve Bank was
designed as a massive, fortress-like building that has thick masonry walls
of Indiana limestone and Ohio sandstone and a crenellated tower at one
corner. The building's architecture takes cues from Renaissance palaces
such as the Florentine Palazzo Strozzi to impart a symbolic sense of
dignity and security. The heavily rusticated base of the building creates
a solid wall that is unornamented except for iron grilles and lanterns
designed by the artist Samuel Yellin which adds to the effect of
impenetrability. Interior vaults with doors that weigh as much as 90 tons
are located five levels below the street to provide adequate protection
for the money stored inside.
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