66 Main Street

The original (center) section of the Key Bank building (66 Main Street) was erected in 1864 after plans by the well-known Rochester architect, A. J. Warner.  At this time it was known as “The Genesee Valley National Bank.”  In 1915 a 16-foot deep two-story addition was made to the rear under the supervision of contractor Leo Goldman of Rochester.  The bank used the first floor of this addition and the second story was occupied by the offices of Beldon and Company, grain suppliers.  Major changes were made in 1927-28 after plans by the architect I. E. Hill of Geneva.  A one-story addition on the south carried the line of the building flush with Bank Street.  Another one-story addition was made to the west and a new door was placed at the center front of the main section.  Extensive interior alterations were also carried out at this time.  The entire work was completed under the capable supervision of Edward J. Forbes of Geneseo.  In 1930, The Genesee Valley National Bank merged with The Livingston County Trust Company and became The Genesee Valley National Bank and Trust Company. The latest addition, a two-story section to the north, was made in the mid-1970’s, and in 1979 the bank became the Key Bank of Central New York.  In his 1976 evaluation of Main Street, preservation architect Paul Malo called this building “the finest example of high Italianate style in Geneseo,” and added that “additions to the building have been sympathetic in style.  The building has been painted, like its adjoining neighbor, in attractive colors which enhance its genuine landmark quality.”