| Bulding Address: | 190 Bowery, New York NY 10012 |
| Building Name: | Landmark |
| Building Alternate address: | 190 Bowery |
| Zip Code: | 10012 |
| Neighborhood: | Soho |
| Borough: | Manhattan |
| Stories: | 0 |
| Year Built: | 1898 |
| Building Class: | C |
| Block & lot: | 00492-0038 |
History of 190 Bowery, Manhattan, NYC
190 Bowery, known historically as the Germania Bank Building, is a significant landmark located on the northwest corner of Bowery and Spring Street in Manhattan, New York City. It was constructed in 1898–99 as the third building for the Germania Bank, which was originally founded in 1869. The building exemplifies Renaissance Revival or Beaux-Arts architectural style, designed by architect Robert Maynicke and built by Marc Eidlitz and Son. It was designated a New York City landmark on March 29, 2005.
The six-story structure is built primarily of brick with steel girder supports and rests on a concrete basement. Its two main facades, facing Bowery and Spring Street, are clad in Maine granite. The ground floor features a rusticated base with large, deep-set windows framed by rounded arches, while the upper floors display banded stonework and paired windows, with the sixth floor windows having round arches. The building is topped with a classical copper parapet decorated with ornate motifs such as anthemia, rosettes, and waves, visible from elevated trains.
The main entrance is positioned at the angled corner of the building, featuring a projecting portico with bluestone steps and Tuscan columns, complemented by elaborately wrought-iron gates. A second entrance, also with a Tuscan-column portico, faces Bowery at street level.
Originally, the building housed a public banking hall on the first floor, safe deposit vaults in the basement, and offices including the president’s office and boardroom. As the Germania Bank changed its name to Commonwealth Bank in 1918 amid World War I anti-German sentiment, it expanded its presence across Manhattan and other boroughs, eventually being acquired by Manufacturers Trust Company in 1927. The building continued as a bank branch until the mid-1960s.
In 1966, celebrated photographer Jay Maisel purchased the building for $102,000 and transformed it into his residence, studio, and extensive personal collection space. While largely thought abandoned by the public, the building remained a lively creative hub, with floors rented out briefly to notable artists including Adolph Gottlieb and Roy Lichtenstein. Maisel's ownership lasted nearly five decades until the building was sold in 2015 to Aby Rosen for $55 million.
The building’s interior has undergone several modifications over the years, including changes to the banking hall in 1922, addition of stairs in 1924, and fireproofing in the 1960s to accommodate record storage. Residential adaptations included unique features like a basketball court in the former banking hall. The exterior, however, remains largely intact, preserving its historic architectural character.
More recently, 190 Bowery has continued its legacy as a center for creative and cultural activity. It houses a coworking space for cryptocurrency and blockchain ventures, EmpireDAO, and has featured contemporary street art including a 2019 rooftop mural by Shepard Fairey. The building remains a prominent symbol of the Bowery’s vibrant history and artistic community.
190 Bowery, Manhattan, New York City
Located at the northwest corner of Bowery and Spring Street, 190 Bowery is a historic Renaissance Revival style limestone building originally constructed in 1898-99 as the third home of the Germania Bank.
The building sits in Manhattan's NoHo/Nolita neighborhood, an area known for upscale restaurants, high-end shopping, and coveted residences.
Building Overview
- Constructed: 1898-99
- Stories: 6, plus basement and roof terrace
- Total floor area: Approximately 38,000 square feet
- Typical floor size: About 6,260 square feet
- Ceiling heights: 11 feet on most floors, 18 feet on ground and second floors
Architectural and Historical Features
Designed by architect Robert Maynicke, the building features facades clad in Maine granite on the Bowery and Spring Street sides. The public spaces boast rusticated stone with large, deep-set windows topped by rounded arches.
The upper floors have banded stonework with paired windows, projecting piers, and paneled spandrels. The sixth floor windows are round-arched, capped by a decorative cornice and a copper parapet with classical motifs visible even from elevated trains.
The main entrance is at the angled corner with a bluestone stairway and a projecting portico supported by Tuscan columns with wrought-iron gates. A secondary street-level entrance also features a portico with similar classical detailing.
Historical Usage
Originally housing a public banking hall and safe deposit vaults, the building also contained executive offices and board meeting rooms. The Germania Bank became Commonwealth Bank in 1918 and was later acquired by Manufacturers Trust Company, which operated the branch here until the mid-1960s.
In 1966, photographer Jay Maisel purchased the building, converting it into his residence and studio while preserving many original architectural features such as the filigree copper elevator and oak parquet floors. The former bank vault was used to store his photo archive.
Modern Use
Currently, 190 Bowery houses creative offices and spaces, including a coworking space for cryptocurrency and blockchain ventures. It stands as a New York City designated landmark since 2005 and remains one of the most architecturally and historically significant buildings in the Nolita area.
Building Amenities at 190 Bowery, Manhattan, NYC
Constructed in 1898, 190 Bowery is a landmarked six-story Renaissance Revival limestone building located in the NoHo neighborhood. The building offers approximately 38,000 square feet of space with floors measuring around 6,260 square feet each.
Ceiling heights are generous throughout the building, with 11-foot ceilings typically, and 18-foot ceilings on the ground and second floors, providing spacious and airy interiors.
The building features an original copper-cage elevator dating back to 1898, which remains in good working order, preserving the historic character.
Large operable windows ensure abundant natural light on all floors.
There are kitchens on the office floors and ample ceiling height up to fourteen feet in some areas, supporting flexible and comfortable work environments.
Interior includes original architectural details such as oak parquet floors, pressed tin walls, detailed moldings, and mosaic tiled floors in the vaulted cellar.
A central air conditioning system was ingeniously installed using a pipe system that delivers cooled air to each floor without damaging the historic fabric of the building.
The building includes a roof terrace and offers a distinctive blend of historic charm with modern amenities suitable for residential, retail, office, and coworking uses.
190 Bowery, Manhattan, NYC is a historic building originally constructed in 1898 as the third home of the Germania Bank. It was later used as a private residence by photographer Jay Maisel. As of recent years, it has housed various tenants, including the clothing brand Supreme and EmpireDAO, a coworking space for cryptocurrency and blockchain ventures.
Notable Tenants: EmpireDAO, Supreme.
The building is located in the NoHo neighborhood, offering 38,000 square feet of space across six stories with a basement and roof terrace.
Neighborhood: NoHo/NoLIta, Manhattan, NYC
Internet Providers at 190 Bowery, Manhattan, NYC
Residents of 190 Bowery in Manhattan, NYC typically have access to several internet service providers. Although specific details about providers covering this exact address are not readily available, some of the top internet providers in Manhattan include:
- Verizon Fios: Known for high speeds (up to 2 Gbps) and reliable service, Verizon Fios offers both internet-only and bundled plans. Coverage is extensive across Manhattan, but it might vary by location.
- Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Offers both cable and fiber options with a focus on affordable pricing and unlimited data. Availability can vary, particularly in areas like Washington Heights and Roosevelt Island.
- Spectrum: Provides widespread coverage in Manhattan with speeds up to 1 Gbps. Offers both cable and fiber plans with various TV and phone bundle options.
The Germania Bank Building, located at 190 Bowery, sits at the northwest corner of Bowery and Spring Street in Manhattan's Nolita neighborhood. For transportation, this location is close to several subway lines and bus routes that serve Downtown Manhattan. The closest subway stations include Spring Street and Bowery, which are within a short walking distance. Nearby bus stops offer connectivity through various routes that cover both local and express services, making it easy to reach other parts of the city.
The building stands as a historic landmark with significant architectural features. It was built between 1898 and 1899 and was designed in a Renaissance Revival style. The building has been home to various occupants, including the Germania Bank, which later became the Commonwealth Bank. As of recent years, it houses EmpireDAO, a coworking space focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain ventures, and also hosts a Supreme store.
The cross streets are Bowery and Spring Street, making this location a central spot in the bustling heart of Downtown Manhattan.
