868 Broadway (New York City, New York)

USA / New Jersey / West New York / New York City, New York / Broadway, 868
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4-story Greek-revival office building completed in 1848 as a rowhouse. The ground floor currently has a modern wood, aluminum and glass storefront. The upper floors are clad in red brick, each having three square-headed window openings. Originally, these openings were progressively shorter at each floor; however, the 4th-floor openings were increased in height in 1920. The window openings have simple sills, and those at the 2nd and 3rd floors retain the original projecting molded lintels. A simple black iron dentiled cornice caps the facade.

The building was partially converted from a private residence to commercial use in the late 1850s with the installation of an early ground-floor storefront. In 1871, a 1-story rear extension was added to the building to accommodate D.B. Bedell, a china and glass merchant who occupied the ground-story store in the 1870s before relocating next door to 866 Broadway. In the 1880s, the building was occupied by the Wunderlich Art Gallery. Among the commercial tenants in the early 1900s were a rug dealer, manicurist, and a dyeing and cleaning company.

In 1920, the 4th-story windows were increased in height and a fire escape was constructed on the front of the building (now removed). The building was later used for light manufacturing before being converted to offices. The ground floor is currently occupied by Dr. Martens boots.
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Coordinates:   40°44'14"N   73°59'23"W
This article was last modified 9 years ago