171 First Avenue | Block : 452 | Lot #33

Description & Building Alterations

The present five-story cast iron building standing on this lot dates from 1883. Joseph M. Dunn designed the building for Robert Goelet as stores on the ground level and lofts above. At the time, Foelet was one of the largest property owners in New York. By the 1930s the building was utilized as factory space from the second through top floors. The first-story storefront was altered in the 1960s.

Although the original cornice has been removed, the building retains most of the original iron facade, with moldings between each story, iron columns supporting flat arches, and dividing full-height windows on each of the upper floors. The first-story storefront also features fluted iron pilasters. It is unclear when the present bracketed cornice was installed, as it appears to have been altered since the 1980s tax photo was taken.