Croisic Building, aka 220 Fifth Avenue, is picturesque Gothic-styled architecture visible for blocks because of its two-story copper mansard roof. On closer inspection, the terra cotta gargoyles, eagles and other decoration are equally impressive.
The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership “Discover Flatiron” brochure claims that actress Ethel Barrymore resided at Croisic Building. That seems unlikely, because the building was always a commercial office building. However, some sources say the site was previously occupied by a Croisic apartment hotel, where she might have stayed (her Broadway debut was in 1895, before the current Croisic Building was erected). Other sources note that actor Richard Mansfield lived at the hotel.
Currently, Croisic Building seems to host a colony of architects – if you Google the address, the first pages are dominated by architect listings.
Trivia: According to New York Songlines, Croisic Building is across the street from the nonexistent 221 Fifth Avenue, home of Napoleon Solo, Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Croisic Building Vital Statistics
- Location: 220 Fifth Avenue at W 26th Street
- Year completed: 1912
- Architect: Frederick C. Browne
- Floors: 22
- Style: Neo-Gothic
- New York City Landmark: 2001
Croisic Building Recommended Reading
- NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission designation report (Madison Square North)
- The New York Times Streetscapes/Readers’ Questions; A Town House on E. 74th, Fleurs-de-Lis on W. 26th (February 1, 2004)
- The Brickbuilder The Croisic Building, New York City (1913)
- Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Discover Flatiron Walking Tour (pdf)
- New York Songlines Fifth Avenue
- Gargoyles of New York Croisic Building