Developers in the late 19th century couldn’t get enough of topping their buildings with the year it was constructed—usually on the cornice or upper facade.
And lots of builders couldn’t help but put their own names up there too. Like P. Martino, who put up this tenement in Williamsburg in 1871.
Mr. Gessner built this lovely structure in 1871 on Bleecker Street in the West Village.
St. George Greek Orthodox Church on 55th Street and Eighth Avenue is a modest little chapel, with the Hearst Tower looming behind it.
Tags: 19th century New York City, P. Martino 1871, Pythian Hall, Pythian Hall Harlem, Pythian Temple and Town Hall, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Tenement names and dates
April 28, 2010 at 1:09 pm |
All developers should put a construction date on all buildings as a public service. The different sizes and styles of building tell you an incredible amount about the eras that built them. They give you a feel for the evolution of the city — and they’re way too rare.
April 28, 2010 at 1:58 pm |
I agree–it’s not hard to guess roughly most of the time, but sometimes just a couple of decades earlier or later than it looks make a difference.
April 28, 2010 at 2:59 pm |
my building has this info, both name and date.
April 29, 2010 at 4:33 pm |
Nice photos of still existing artistic architecture. Minor correction on the Greek church in the third photo. It is on 54th street; 307 W 54th Street to be exact.