56 Third Avenue; 54-56 Third Avenue | Block : 556-1 | Lot #24

Description & Building Alterations

This three-story brick building was erected in 1906 to be used as a restaurant and lofts for light manufacturing. It was designed by architect L. Gilles for owner Luder Reinken, according to the Office for Metropolitan History.

The Brata Gallery moved here from 89 East 10th Street in 1963, remaining until at least 1974. One of many artist-run cooperative “Tenth Street Galleries” in the neighborhood, the Brata Gallery showcased work by a diverse group of artists, including African-American painter Ed Clark and the Japanese-American artists Robert Kobayashi and Nanae Momiyama. In 1963, avant-garde filmmaker Jonas Mekas organized and wrote about screenings that took place here, programmed by his Film-Makers’ Co-op. The Brata Gallery stayed at this address until at least 1974.

Sculptor James Rosati was also listed at this address in 1964 and 1970. Rosati worked as a sculptor for the Works Progress Administration in the late 1930s, and later taught at Pratt Institute, Cooper Union, and Yale University. He was especially well known for his Cubist-inspired monumental sculptures, which decorated museum gardens and corporate plazas and lobbies.