174 Second Avenue; 293-299 East 11th Street | Block : 453 | Lot #1

Description & Building Alterations

This five-story with basement was erected in 1849-50 as a row house, at the same time its neighboring building at no. 176 was built. The two buildings were originally owned by the same person. The fifth floor was likely added between 1905 and 1908. Reuben Guskin, treasurer of the Workmen’s Circle, board member of the Jewish Daily Forward, director of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, and manager of the Hebrew Actors’ Union from 1919 until 1951, lived at 299 East Eleventh Street. He frequented the Café Royal, which was just down the block.

The front extension at the basement and first story were added during an alteration in 1924. The first story of No. 174 used to be occupied by a bank in the 1920s, and the upper floors as offices. It was converted back to residential use in the 1930s. Most of the historical details on the facade were lost in the early 20th century.