186 Second Avenue | Block : 453 | Lot #7

Description & Building Alterations

This four-story with basement structure was originally erected in 1849-50 as a row house and tenementized later. The storefront at the basement has been altered multiple times. The present facade features a bracketed cornice with frieze, molded window lintels, and simple rectangular sills. The main entry is set on a high stoop, with simple engaged pilasters supporting a molded entablature. The front stoop was remodeled and set back in 1915.

John P. Schuchman lived here at the end of the 19th century into the early 20th century. He was born in Germany in 1851 and immigrated to the United States in 1868. He became a lawyer and later served as a judge. He was a pillar of the surrounding German community and built 126 East 12th Street. He also served on the Tenement House Committee in the 1890s, the purpose of which was to make recommendations to improve conditions in housing for poor and working-class New Yorkers. Ultimately that would lead to the Tenement House Act of 1901, which resulted in new and higher standards for New York City housing.