351 East 12th Street; 197 First Avenue; 351-353 East 12th Street | Block : 454 | Lot #45

Description & Building Alterations

This building was constructed as part of a set of row houses found on the adjacent three lots. This is still evident today as illustrated in their continuous façade and party walls. According to historic tax records the structures were completed in 1850. Before construction the vacant lot was valued at $1,300 and the owner was Margaret Folson. After construction the building was valued at $3,150. Eventually the building would come to face the First Avenue elevated train line.

Changes in the tenement laws in 1907 spurred the addition of interior windows and skylights to increase light and air within the structure. A one-story addition was added to the rear of the building in 1909 under owner George W. Folson and architect Maximilian Zipkes. The window lintels, store front, columns, and stairs were replaced in 1928 along with the addition of larger window openings on the rear brick wall. These alterations were completed under architect Charles Reissmann and the LaStella Holding Corp. 197 First Avenue is four stories in height, three bays wide, and clad in brick. It has a bracketed cornice and the storefront has been significantly altered.