63-65 Second Avenue; 76-82 East 4th Street | Block : 459 | Lot #29

Description & Building Alterations

This six-story, light grey, L-shaped new law brick tenement was designed in 1926 by architect Charles B. Meyers. Two four-story tenements with basements and stores were demolished on the site to make way for construction. This Romanesque Revival building has facades on Second Avenue and East 4th Street, a deep light court on Fourth Street, a gated service alley along its west side, and a courtyard along its south side. The roof is flat with decorative modillions beneath the cornice. The fifth and sixth floors have arched windows with some terra cotta enframements, the main entrance has a florentine arched enframement, and the facade features patterned tapestry brickwork. The terra-cotta cornice is historic.

Between 1958 and 1978, the building housed the legendary drag cabaret, the 82 Club, at which Ty Bennett headlined and acted as “den mother.” A favorite hangout of Harvey Fierstein, the 82 Club made cameo appearances in both Torch Song Trilogy (which premiered at La Mama Theater) and The Rose. Celebrities and glam rockers like David Bowie and Lou Reed hung out here, and The Stilettos (the precursor to Blondie) and The New York Dolls performed here as well.