77 Avenue C | Block : 387 | Lot #140

Description & Building Alterations

Constructed in 1903, the New Law Tenement at 77 Avenue C was constructed by the same owner and architect as the building to its south, visually evidenced by the continuous façade.

This six-story, Beaux Arts building is clad in red brick and feature classical decorative elements.  Contrasting gray brick is used at the corners to simulate quoins as well as at the second and top floors as string courses.  The window crowns vary but are classical in their vocabulary.  The top story windows have segmental arches, scrolled keystones and egg and dart molding. The cornice is missing.  The building is a New Law Tenement and had stricter building code requirements than tenement structures built before 1901. Two primary improvements were provisions for natural light and ventilation.  A footprint of the buildings together shows a narrow alley in between the buildings and stretching to the rear yard for that purpose.  The building continues to serve its original purpose with stores on the ground floor and apartments above. The fire escapes stand out from others in the neighborhood for the decorative ironwork. A 1980’s era tax photo shows the building with boarded windows and topped with a cornice, which has since been removed.