316 East 3rd Street | Block : 372 | Lot #31

Description & Building Alterations

This seven-story apartment building, designed by Karl Fischer Architects, was constructed in 2014. The new building replaced a Federal-style row house from 1835 that featured Flemish Bond brickwork on the lower two floors. This preceding building was constructed as a two-story house along with Lots 32 and 33. The third story Italianate details were likely added in 1857, as suggested by the tax assessment records and the upper floor’s distinct brick facing. It is possible that this house was converted to a multiple dwelling unit at this time, and that a double door with elliptical windows and carved wooden ornamentation was added that same year. The cornice and iron railings also likely date to this alteration. David Izenzon, a prominent jazz bassist of his era, founded Pot Smokers Anonymous at this site in 1979. Well into the 21st century, it was used as a four-unit apartment building, retaining the original door, doorway, iron railing, and cornice.

In 2014 the new eight-story apartment building called “The Robyn” opened, filling this lot and Lot 32. Lot 32, vacant by the time the 1980s tax photo was taken, was formerly home to a seven-story tenement built in 1901 by Michael Bernstein for the owner Hyman Weinhaus.