Syracuse Savings Bank Building, also known as Bank of America building, is a historic building in Syracuse, New York designed by Joseph Lyman Silsbee. It was built in 1875 adjacent to the Erie Canal, and, at 171 feet tall, was the tallest building in Syracuse. It opened in 1876 as Syracuse Savings Bank. Its passenger elevator, the first in Syracuse, was a cur…Syracuse Savings Bank Building, also known as Bank of America building, is a historic building in Syracuse, New York designed by Joseph Lyman Silsbee. It was built in 1875 adjacent to the Erie Canal, and, at 171 feet tall, was the tallest building in Syracuse. It opened in 1876 as Syracuse Savings Bank. Its passenger elevator, the first in Syracuse, was a curiosity that drew visitors.