521 East 5th Street | Block : 401 | Lot #53

Description & Building Alterations

Built as a row of 13 speculative tenements developed by William B. Astor in 1859-60, the last 10 buildings, including No. 521, were constructed using the same plan with only minor alterations as material availability changed.  The construction began on the western portion of the block and moved eastward.

Designed in the Italianate style, No. 521’s lintels were shaved down and the entire facade was painted, making it difficult to read the details. The two outer bays of windows have been converted to doors on the third and fifth floors. In 1940 the first floor was converted into apartments and the raised-stoop entrance was likely removed at this same time.