| Building Address: | 135 E 55th St, New York NY 10022 |
| Building Alternate Address: | 135 E 55th St |
| Zip Code: | 10022 |
| Neighborhood: | Plaza District |
| Borough: | Manhattan |
| Stories: | 8 |
| Year Built: | 1902 |
| Building Class: | B |
| Block & lot: | 01310-0022 |
The building at 135 East 55th Street in Manhattan, New York, was completed in December 1902 and originally housed the Babies' Hospital, an institution dedicated to the care of infants and young children.
Unlike many Beaux Arts style buildings of the era, which commonly featured limestone or marble cladding, this building's design prominently used variegated brick for its textured façade. The entrance portico was set within a two-story rusticated stone base, and the exterior included ornate details such as a lush frieze of draping garlands, French-inspired cast iron balconies on the fourth floor, and a copper cornice supported by scrolled stone brackets. The top floor contained a solarium and laboratory, which were nearly hidden from street view.
The hospital's layout was carefully planned to meet the needs of its tiny patients and staff. The basement housed a disinfecting plant, laundry, kitchen, and servants’ dining room. The first floor featured a dispensary, clothing committee room, offices, and a clinic. Staff quarters and dining rooms were located on the second and third floors, while upper floors contained wards and model nurseries. The solarium on the top floor reflected the early 20th century belief in sunlight as a cure for diseases such as tuberculosis.
The Babies’ Hospital faced initial opposition from nearby residents who feared the risks of contagious diseases, leading to legal challenges that restricted its original location. However, the hospital moved to its dedicated building at 135 East 55th Street, which was noted in contemporary publications as an example of a revival in brick construction in New York City architecture.
Upon opening, the hospital was equipped with modern appliances and facilities aimed at providing the best care for infants, exemplifying progressive medical architecture and child care in the early 1900s.
135 East 55th Street is a renowned location in Manhattan, NYC, situated in the heart of Midtown. This address is known for both residential and commercial properties.
Residential Aspect: The building offers elegant studio apartments with features like hardwood floors, top-tier appliances, and spacious layouts. It is positioned on the border of the Upper East Side, providing a quintessential New York living experience.
Commercial Aspect: The property also includes office and medical spaces available for lease. It is a charming boutique building featuring loft-like spaces with open ceilings and multiple exposures, making it suitable for various businesses. Built in 1929, it is classified as a Class B building with a total property size of 35,408 square feet.
135 E 55th St Building Amenities
- Elevator
- Full-time Doorman
- Laundry Facility
Office Tenants at 135 E 55th St, Manhattan, NYC
135 East 55th Street is a boutique, prewar Class B office building offering office and showroom space suitable for creative companies such as advertising, PR, and architectural firms. The building features loft-like spaces with open ceilings, perimeter offices, and large open interiors with north, east, and south exposures. The property was originally built in 1929 and totals 35,408 square feet.
Current available office space includes full-floor suites of approximately 4,619 square feet on the 4th and 8th floors. These spaces offer natural light, tall ceilings, reception areas, kitchen pantries, multiple offices, and storage, making them ideal for office or medical uses.
The building is centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, within walking distance of multiple subway lines (4, 5, 6, E, M, N, R, Q) and surrounded by amenities such as restaurants and public transportation options.
For the address 135 E 55th St, Manhattan, NYC, several internet providers offer services in the area. Here are some notable providers:
Verizon Fios: Offers high-speed fiber-optic internet with speeds starting at 300 Mbps and reaching up to 2.3 Gbps. Plans start around $49.99, with options for bundling TV and phone services.
Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Provides both cable and fiber services with plans starting at $29.99. They offer download speeds up to 1000 Mbps with unlimited data.
Spectrum: Offers cable internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps, starting at approximately $50 per month. Spectrum provides ubiquitous coverage throughout Manhattan.
Other providers like AT&T U-verse, Optimum, and Xfinity also serve parts of Manhattan, though availability might vary by location.
Location
135 E 55th Street, Manhattan, NYC (between Lexington Avenue & 3rd Avenue)
Cross Streets
Located between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue on East 55th Street.
Public Transportation
Subway
- M and E trains at Lexington Avenue - 53rd Street station
- 6 train at Lexington Avenue station
- Nearby subway lines passing through the area include: 4, 5, 6X, E, M, R, N, W, F, Q
Bus
- BM2, BM5, M103, M15-SBS, M31, M57, QM42, M15
- Closest bus stops include Lexington Av/E 55 St, Lexington Ave & East 56th St, 3 Av/E 55 St, and 3 Av/E 53 St
Cable Car
- Roosevelt Island Tram station nearby
