113 East 12th Street | Block : 558 | Lot #47

Description & Building Alterations

This former three-story brick row house was built between 1849 and 1850 as a single-family home. The exact year and owner is uncertain because the 1849 tax assessment record is missing. A fourth story was added and a new cornice was installed in the late 19th century. The building would have had a raised entrance accessed by a stoop when it was first constructed, but these elements were likely removed and replaced by a basement-level entry when a boarding house operated here. This was a typical alteration for row houses converted to multiple apartments. The 1980s tax photo divulges this altered configuration.

The building became a clubhouse in 1913 for the Association of Employees of the New York Edison Company. Inside, one could find electric baths, bowling alleys, a music room, and pool and billiard tables. The New York Edison Company ran an electric transformer and distribution station at 115 East 12th Street. In 1945, the building was purchased by the Polish Legion of American Veterans who continued to use the space as its clubhouse. 

The Puerto Rican club, cafe, theater, and gallery Rincón Taíno was located here in the 1980s. 

At some point after the 1980s tax photo was taken, the ground floor was converted to commercial use and a glass areaway extension was built. The building also housed the former classic record shop Footlight Records.