1-19 East 2nd Street; 321-323 Bowery | Block : 457 | Lot #9

Description & Building Alterations

This NYU dorm was constructed in 2002 and was designed by Van Brody Architects. In 1800, the building at this location held Otto Maurer’s Magical Bazaar, featuring the German-born magician Maurer. The back palm trick, in which Maurer made cards vanish and reappear in his hands, is said to have originated here. Harry Houdini worked across the street at the Globe Dime Museum at 298 Bowery, and likely learned the trick from Maurer himself.