84 Second Avenue | Block : 446 | Lot #7

Description & Building Alterations

Originally built as a Greek Revival-style row house, this four-story with attic building was part of a row of houses at 78 to 84 Second Avenue owned by Elisha Peck. In 1884, this building was “Irene Stenard’s Temporary Home for Women.” Investigator Nellie Bly checked herself into this boarding house, feigning insanity to get sent to an insane asylum on Blackwell Island to expose its horrific conditions. She mentions her stay at 84 Second Avenue in her book Ten Days in a Mad-House.

This building features a planar brick facade, molded galvanized-iron lintels, and a cornice with short attic-story windows. The existing two-story storefront dates to the 1909 alterations. The historic wood window frames, sashes, and casements remain. The original stoop was removed in 1909. The lintels likely date to the late 19th century.