Every Building on Fifth

Another Robert Maynicke design, 126-128 Fifth Avenue is a rather battered example of the architect’s work, as the original windows on Fifth Avenue have been altered and the building’s cornice removed. Given the taste for restoration of period details, it is possible these missing elements may be replicated in the future: for now, 126-128 Fifth… Continue reading

A worthy neighbor to 123 Fifth, 125 Fifth Avenue incorporates two old brownstones into a new Neo-Gothic façade of unusual lightness and delicacy. Quatrefoil tracery and soaring pinnacles are among the notable features, which suggest a cross between Cass Gilbert’s masterful Woolworth Building, and the smaller works of Chicago architect Louis Sullivan. Irving Margon designed… Continue reading

One of my favorite buildings on this stretch of Fifth, the Sittenham Building at 123 Fifth Avenue is a brownstone residence converted to commercial use. The upper stores are a pleasant but unremarkable façade that was applied in 1926 – where the building really sings is at the shop front, a high-style Neo-Parisian confection installed… Continue reading

A T-shaped structure with addresses on both 17th and 18th streets, 122-124 Fifth Avenue was built in 1889-1900. This Robert Maynicke design established the rusticated base continued to the south by the later building at 118 Fifth Avenue. The spacious Greek Revival Doric-columned entryway is a distinctive touch. The building is currently the headquarters of… Continue reading

Developed as an annex to the original store for Lord & Taylor, 119-121 Fifth Avenue is a richly ornamented design by John H. Duncan. Constructed as in 1905, the building was connected via bridges to Lord & Taylor’s prior annexes at 4 East 20th Street and 129-131 Fifth Avenue. An attic frieze of trophy panels… Continue reading