tailieunhanh - Landmarks Preservation Commission February 12, 2008, Designation List 401 LP-2109

In North Africa, microfinance enjoys one of the most favourable environments for growth, due to low market penetration rates combined with generally shallow government intervention6 . The region is mostly free of competition and high financing costs that bog down the industry in more mature mar- kets. Microfinance institutions face lower hurdles and can more easily attain profits, all while respond- ing to the needs of the lower segment of the microfinance market. However, the microfinance industry in North Africa is slowly starting to show signs of maturity. Access to concessional funds has so far enabled the sector to boost profits, but competition. | Landmarks Preservation Commission February 12 2008 Designation List 401 LP-2109 Former JAMAICA SAVINGS BANK 161-02 Jamaica Avenue Borough of Queens. Built 1897-98 Hough Duell architects. Landmark Site Borough of Queens Tax Map Block 10101 Lot 9. On May 15 2007 the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing on the proposed designation as a Landmark of the former Jamaica Savings Bank and the proposed designation of the related Landmark Site Item No. 1 . The hearing had been duly advertised in accordance with the provisions of law. Seven people spoke in favor of designation including Chairwoman Gloria Black of Queens Community Board 12 and representatives of the Central Queens Historical Association the Queens Preservation Council the Queens Historical Society the Historic Districts Council the New York Landmarks Conservancy and the Jamaica Center Business Improvement District. A representative of Council Member Leroy G. Comrie Jr. spoke in favor of designation contingent upon the approval of the building s Summary The former Jamaica Savings Bank was constructed in 1897-98 for the oldest and most prestigious banking institution in Jamaica. Designed by the noted firm of Hough Deuell the building is a fine and particularly exuberant example of the classically inspired Beaux-Arts style strikingly executed in carved limestone and wrought iron and is one of only a few buildings in the borough of Queens to embrace that architectural aesthetic. Prominently sited on Jamaica Avenue the bank building is an urbane presence on the neighborhood s main commercial thoroughfare. Although the four-story structure is relatively small in scale the imposing design of the facade conveys a monumentality which is appropriately suited to the distinguished image and reputation of the banking institution while lending the building the formal elegance of a private club or townhouse. Incorporated in 1866 by a consortium of local citizens including John A. King former .