225 East 2nd Street | Block : 384 | Lot #17

Description & Building Alterations

In 1863 owner John Ritter had this tenement house constructed at 225 East 2^nd Street. A builder/architect could not be found in documentation records. The first story, originally a storefront for a bakery according to building permits, was later converted to residential use. According to tax records, an “African church” occupied the lot before this building.

Its neighbor at 227 East 2^nd Street was constructed at the same time and shares the same ornamental details.

In 1907, a one-story structure was built in the yard. Even though the widening of Houston Street resulted in the demolition of many buildings facing that street, it appears this rear structure (or perhaps an altered version of it) may still exist. It now faces Houston Street.

Historic maps show that in 1853 a Methodist Church occupied lots 17 and 18, thus pre-dating the two existing tenements. In 1862, J. F. Kendall owned the three-story building at no. 225, which was demolished soon after for the present structure.