History and architecture
This French Second Empire building occupies a corner plot so that the two impressive facades can be advantageously viewed at the same time. The century-old three story masonry structure with mansard roof and low basement commands attention because of its imposing size, individual character and ordered composition. Heralded as one of the first fireproof commercial buildings of its day, this sturdily built 1867 structure expresses its indestructibility.
The building, with its five windows on Third Avenue and eight on Seventh Street is unified by its use of the horizontal band course at each floor and an ornate cornice at the roof line. Quions at the corners and bold rustication on the ground floor are strong unifying elements. The pilasters framing the windows add vertical emphasis, particularly at the second and third floors where large brackets support projecting entabletures above the windows.
The center window at the second floor on Third avenue is given special architectural treatment. Resting on pedestals, two engaged columns with Corinthian capitals support a pedimented entablature. The pedestals are joined by a balustrade. The central rusticated arch at the first floor frames a handsome doorway with a window above. It is flanked by fluted Corinthian columns. In the mansard roof are a series of dormer windows crowned with segmental arches.
In 1937 this building was bought by the Ukrainian Church, which uses the edifice for religious purposes. It had originally been built by the Metropolitan Savings Bank which occupied it for 68 years.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.