Tag Archives: 1901

228 Bleecker Street

228 Bleecker Street

228 Bleecker Street is a nicely maintained example of the larger apartment buildings that replaced small dwellings in the early 1900s. Greenwich Village at that time was growing, with an influx of Italian immigrants.

The building is across the street from Our Lady of Pompeii RC Church (built 27 years later).

The tiny residential entry is on Bleecker Street, sandwiched between the building’s gustatory tenants: Trattoria Spaghetto, on the right, Molly’s Cupcakes on the left. Buon appetito!

228 Bleecker Street Vital Statistics
228 Bleecker Street Recommended Reading

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Buffalo Savings Bank

Buffalo Savings Bank is an important Buffalo, NY landmark, and now a branch of M&T Bank. Its style is inspired by the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

While the outside is magnificent – that’s real gold leaf on the dome – the interior is breathtaking! (Even more remarkable, the bank permits photography inside. What a difference from New York City attitudes – but that’s a story unto itself.) Murals under the dome depict signs of the zodiac and scenes of local industry, history and commerce.

From humble beginnings – just six depositors at opening – Buffalo Savings Bank grew to national prominence as Gold Dome Bank for Savings through a series of mergers. Alas, the mergers were the bank’s undoing, and Gold Dome was liquidated in 1991.

The building is just one of many architectural surprises awaiting anyone who visits Buffalo.

Buffalo Savings Bank Vital Statistics
Buffalo Savings Bank Recommended Reading

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Graham Court

Graham Court is sometimes called “Harlem’s Dakota,” but it’s actually much closer in style to the 1908 Apthorp Apartments, on Broadway at W 78th Street.

The building’s grandeur stems from its sponsor: Graham Court was commissioned by William Waldorf Astor, and designed by the firm of Clinton & Russell. Before joining the firm, Charles Clinton was the architect of the Park Avenue Armory, Manhattan Apartments and New York Athletic Club, among others. With William Russell, the firm went on to design the Apthorp Apartments, Langham Apartments, and Astor Apartments (and a score of important commercial buildings).

The last 50 years have been hard on Graham Court: Successive owners haven’t been as quality-conscious as the original builders. One commentator after another (see Recommended Reading list) has lamented the security problems, disrepair, and financial problems of the landmark.

But beyond the unfriendly iron front gates and crudely hand-painted “No Parking” sign at the service entrance, Graham Court is still mighty impressive. I hope I look as good when I’m 113!

Graham Court Vital Statistics
Graham Court Recommended Reading

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