234 Fifth Avenue
Although 234 Fifth’s architectural style is listed as “Art Deco” in the Madison Square North Historic District’s designation report, it could also be called a (much understated) example of “Secessionism”, an early form of Modernism with its roots in Austrian and German Art Nouveau. The unassuming but pleasant building is made up of two 19th… Continue reading
233 Fifth Avenue, The Museum of Sex
A tatty and nearly unrecognizable survivor from the brownstone era, 233 Fifth Avenue now houses New York’s Museum of Sex. The museum had planned to demolish the building and replace it with a new electronically-lit façade that would “blush” different shades of pink. The extension of the final boundaries of the Madison Square North Historic District… Continue reading
226 Fifth Avenue
While not as refined as its neighbor to the south at 222 Fifth Avenue, 226 Fifth Avenue is still a strong reminder of how accomplished architects of the early 20th Century were in converting residences into commercial buildings. Above the first two floors, the Italianate cornice of the original brownstone of 1852-1853 survives. At the… Continue reading
Just Off Fifth: 37 East 12th Street
The renowned Kentshire Galleries has recently sold its spectacular building at 37 East 12th Street in a record-breaking $26 million all-cash transaction through Massey Knakal. A location noted for antiques and bookstores, including the beloved Strand bookstore at the northeast corner of Broadway, East 12th Street is a stretch of some of the best late 19th… Continue reading