The Chelsea Savings Bank in Norwich was incorporated in 1858. According to A Modern History of New London County, Connecticut, Volume 2 (1922):
The home of the bank was in the Merchants Hotel building until April, 1864, when quarters were secured on Shetuckct street, which were occupied until 1909, when the bank building was so badly damaged by fire that the erection of a new modern building, large and imposing, was decided upon. The present building, most splendidly located and planned, was finished and occupied in November, 1911.
The building has a monumental character due to its location at the angle formed by the intersection of Cliff and Main Streets. A Universalist Church at the site was demolished to make way for the new building. The Chelsea Savings Bank was designed by the firm of Cudworth & Woodworth, who also designed the Norwich State Hospital.
When constructed, this building had a large stained glass skylight. This was removed at the start of World War II when blackouts were ordered. The window was stored in sections, in crates, in the attic of the building. It was found just prior to construction of the bank’s New London building, at the corner of Bank St and Montauk ave. The window has been restored and is installed in the ceiling of the branch lobby and is back-lit. It is a very impressive piece.