85 Leonard Street Building

History and architecture

The building at 85 Leonard Street possesses unique historic significance of one of the few remaining works of James Bogardus, and his only surviving building in New York City. In 1818 Bogardus erected the first full cast-iron facade on a building in New York City at 183 Broadway. His own factory at Duane and Centre Streets was the basis for Bogardus's 1850 patent for an all-iron building. Partially because of Bogardus's work, the use of cast iron for facades and structural supporting systems became widespread in New York City during the mid-19th century. While his competitor, Daniel Badger, may be credited with popularizing the use of cast iron for facades. Bogardus advanced the use of iron for structural supporting system , thus laying the foundation for modern skyscraper construction.