96 Avenue C | Block : 376 | Lot #4

Description & Building Alterations

Though modern in its current appearance, remnants of its earlier appearance are evident on the cast iron pilasters flanking the front entrance which likely date to the late 19^th century.  The earliest Department of Buildings Records on file for this structure date to 1877 when owner R. Wyman altered the building by adding a rear extension, raising the roof and building a new cornice.  This permit filing indicates that this was a three story brick building with one family living on each floor which dates probably to 1844-45 when a house was built here for N.G. Kortwright. Previously the land belonged to T.E. Davis.

In 1906 owner Joseph Wolkenberg opened up the second floor façade to create a large show window.  The building was described as a four story brick building.  In 1915 the interior of the fourth floor of the building was altered to restore it to a previous condition.  The permit filed with the Department of Buildings indicates that owner Raphael Hermele of 764 Beck Street in the Bronx removed partitions, a skylight and window in the dining room all of which were created to accommodate the rental of the space by a photography studio.  In 1924 the building underwent a number of alterations.  The exterior of the building was modified when the store front windows were removed and new doors were installed; the water closet in the rear yard was removed; and the dumbwaiter was closed and replaced with interior closets.  In 1947 a new certificate of occupancy was filed reflecting the change of use on the second floor from one apartment to executive offices for a “Democratic Club.”