BROOKLYN, N.Y., May 26, 2011 -- M&T Bank has opened a new, energy-efficient, 4500-square-foot retail branch on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, giving the East New York neighborhood one of the most contemporary branches within the bank's multi-state network.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110526/NY09936 )

The branch was constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards (LEED) established by the U.S. Green Building Council and includes a number of environmentally friendly features to make it a more comfortable place for customers to bank and employees to work including:

• Natural light is used extensively, including a large skylight in the middle of the main lobby.  All glazing contains Low-E (Low Emissivity) coatings reducing solar heat gain.
• Roof Assembly consists of super insulated cavity with solar reflective roofing membrane.
• Interior lighting uses a combination of energy efficient fluorescent lamps, ceramic metal halide lamps, and light emitting diodes (LED's).
• Heating and cooling is provided by high efficiency gas-fired hot water boilers and roof top units.
• The building skin is clad with a composite panel system that contains up to 70% recycled content.

"Branches continue to play a critical role in serving our communities and it's important for us to provide great facilities for our customers to bank. M&T has served East New York for decades and investing in this redevelopment project with a modern design positions us to serve the community for years to come," said Rob Brown, senior vice president for retail banking in New York City.

M&T relocated from its older, leased office space at 2644 Atlantic Avenue. Branch Manager John Whitchett, who has 33 years of experience at the branch, and a staff of seven employees now serve customers at the new branch. Office hours have been extended and the new branch, which opened earlier this month, operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

The project was designed by architect Lorenzo Apicella of the international design firm Pentagram. The architect of record is William F. Collins, AIA Architects, LLP of Long Island and the builder was J.T. Magen and Company of New York City.

M&T Bank has 20 branches in the New York Metro area.

M&T Bank, a subsidiary of Buffalo-based M&T Bank Corporation, serves customers at retail and commercial bank branches and ATMs in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada.

For Further Information:

Chet Bridger

716-842-5182