Rent Office 232 East 59th Street

History of 232 East 59th Street, Manhattan, NYC

Constructed in 1926, 232 East 59th Street in Manhattan, known as the Fine Arts Building, was originally built as a carriage house for Bloomingdale's. In 1962, the building was converted into showroom spaces, primarily serving architecture and design firms. This seven-story cast-iron structure features floor plates averaging 8,600 square feet and blends old-world charm with modern amenities, including passenger and freight elevators.

The building has been home to a variety of notable tenants in the design and architecture industry. It is located in the heart of New York City's Design District, just steps away from the renowned D&D Building. The Fine Arts Building remains a sophisticated boutique space catering to "To the Trade" clientele, distinguished by high ceilings, beautiful windows, and an impeccably preserved façade reflective of its early 20th-century origins.

Over the years, ownership has changed hands several times, with a notable transaction in 2017 when the Kabbalah Centre International contracted to acquire the property. The building continues to be a significant hub for design-oriented showrooms within Midtown Manhattan.

232 East 59th Street, Manhattan, NYC

Also known as The Fine Arts Building, 232 East 59th Street is a historic commercial building located in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.

Building Overview

• Address: 232 East 59th Street (also 232-236 E 59th St), Manhattan, NY 10022
• Neighborhood: Midtown East / Central Midtown
• Borough: Manhattan
• Zip Code: 10022
• Community District: 6
• Stories: 7
• Year Built: 1926
• Building Size: 42,176 square feet
• Lot Size: 7,531 square feet
• Number of Units: 11 commercial spaces
• Building Class: Multi-Story Retail Building (Class K2)

Historical and Architectural Notes

Constructed in 1926, 232 East 59th Street was formerly Bloomingdale’s stable and is known as a “To the Trade” design Boutique building with old-world charm blended with modern amenities. It is located in the heart of Manhattan’s renowned design district, near the D&D Building and by the 59th Street Bridge on the East Side.

Physical Features and Location Highlights

• High ceilings and large, beautiful windows
• Passenger and freight elevators
• Located in a prime home design district
• Proximity to public transportation:
  • Lexington Av-59 St: lines 4, 5, 6, N, R, W
  • Lexington Ave-63 St: lines N, Q, R, F
  • Lexington Ave-53 St: lines E, F, M

Ownership and Property Details

• Owner: 232 EAST 59 ST OWNER
• Last Altered: 2015
• Estimated Market Value: $16,890,000
• Building dimensions approx. 75 ft width by 92.42 ft depth

Neighborhood Context

Midtown East is a vibrant neighborhood blending classic New York character with contemporary culture, offering world-class shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The area is close to notable landmarks and is part of Community District 6.

Nearby Schools

• Art and Design High School – Public, Grades 9-12, 0.1 miles
• East Side Elementary School, PS 267 – Public, Grades K-5, 0.2 miles
• Cathedral High School – Private, Grades 9-12, 0.2 miles
• Montessori School of NY – Private, Grades PK-6, 0.2 miles