543 East 6th Street | Block : 402 | Lot #44

Description & Building Alterations

1850’s and ’60’s tax records show a blacksmith shop at this location and the property was owned by B. Hannigan. By 1879, the Estate of B. Hannigan was listed as the owner and a shop occupied the lot. By the following year, a five story building is listed at this location under the same ownership. This narrow five-story tenement building falls under the “old-law” period of tenement construction.  The ground floor shop does not retain any noticeable original design elements.  The variations in the brickwork indicate that the areas surrounding the window openings have been rebuilt, likely involving the removal of lintels.  Windows in the leftmost bay have been altered, in some cases leaving a shorter window, while others have a smaller window installed to the left of the original.  The cornice is the only remaining significant detail.  It has scroll modillions as well as decorative angular details, such as the diamonds in the frieze and triangular dentils.