Rent Retail 1557 Broadway

History of 1557 Broadway, Manhattan, NYC

The building at 1557 Broadway in Manhattan has a notable history dating back to the early 20th century. Originally, the site housed several older buildings including those that accommodated McGiehan Manufacturing Co., makers of speedometers and odometers.

In 1912, the existing structures were demolished to make way for a new five-story fireproof building with a basement. This new building was intended to feature a bachelor's hotel above a high-end restaurant named The Cafe Napoleon. The restaurant was planned to be lavishly decorated with Napoleonic period silverware, china, and glassware, reflecting an ambitious and elegant design for the space.

The building is especially significant as it became home to one of New York City's first automats, operated by the Horn & Hardart company, which opened its location there in 1912. The automat was widely known for providing uniformly good food at low cost in a stylish setting. Its interior featured Carrara marble, extensive patterned white tile, shiny chrome, spotless plate-glass Automat windows, pillars, and elegant ceiling lamps. The atmosphere was described as upscale and maintained a high standard of cleanliness.

Over time, the building’s once-beautiful terra cotta facade has been covered by billboards, somewhat obscuring its original architectural charm. However, some remnants of the elaborate 1912 detailing by architects Stucker & Sloane still survive inside, visible to those who look closely.

The building measures approximately 70 feet wide and was rebuilt in 1924 to stand three stories tall with commercial and retail uses predominating. It remains a landmark in the Theatre District of Times Square, reflecting a rich legacy intertwined with New York City's cultural and architectural history.

1557 Broadway is a 3-story commercial building located in the heart of Times Square, Manhattan, NYC. It was originally built in 1924 and features a neo-Classical style facade with terra cotta elements, double-height openings, and stained glass. The building offers fiber internet services from providers such as Verizon New York, Lightower, and Level 3 Communications, providing speeds up to 10 Gb/s.

Verizon Fios - Known for its high-speed fiber-optic internet, offering speeds from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps, with pricing starting at approximately $49.99 per month.

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN - Offers both cable and fiber services with unlimited data and competitive pricing, expanding its fiber coverage across Manhattan.

Spectrum - Provides cable internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps, starting at about $30 per month, including options for phone and TV bundles.

1557 Broadway, Manhattan, NYC is located in the heart of Times Square. The nearest cross streets are 46th Street and 47th Street.

Transportation Options: - Subway: The closest subway stations are 42nd Street - Bryant Park (B, D, F, M), 42nd Street - Port Authority Bus Terminal (A, C, E), and 50th Street (1). - Bus: Several MTA buses stop nearby, such as the M7, M20, M42, and M104. - Walking Instructions: The location is easily accessible on foot from many areas of Manhattan.