Rent/Lease Office 303-305 Fifth Ave

Located at 303-305 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City, this 20-story building was constructed in 1910, designed by the architectural firm Buchman & Fox. The project was initiated by developer Henry Corn, who purchased the land for approximately $1,250,000 in 1909, with the entire development costing around $2,500,000.

The building exemplifies early 20th-century high-rise design, featuring a three-story rusticated base with cast iron shop fronts and upper windows, a relatively plain central section, and an elaborate upper portion adorned with arched openings, carvings, and a copper cornice. It closely resembles the neighboring Rock Building, also developed by Henry Corn but designed by Maynicke & Franke.

In its early years, the building housed various garment manufacturing firms, which drew attention from the Joint Board of Sanitary Control due to safety concerns, notably the lack of fireproof construction and fire escapes despite multiple floors being occupied by garment shops. This was especially significant following the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire tragedy, although enforcement of safety regulations at 303-305 Fifth Avenue was minimal at the time.

Throughout the 1920s and beyond, the building accommodated diverse tenants such as the Barnes Coal Company and jewelry importers like Lisner & Co., transitioning over time to primarily costume jewelers and earning the nickname "The Jewelry Building." In the 1930s, it served as the headquarters of the Arab National League, reflecting the building's varied social and commercial roles.

Ownership of the building changed hands through a notable exchange in 1913, when William A. Bell, an English physician and investor involved in early American railroads and suburban development, traded a Westchester suburb property for 303 Fifth Avenue. This transaction occurred following the original developer's default. Bell's development pursuits included creating one of New York's early suburbs, Philipse Manor, but market challenges led to this property swap.

The building has remained a significant fixture on Fifth Avenue for over a century, with renovations including updates to the lobby and lower floors in 2009. It stands as a historic example of the commercial transformation of Fifth Avenue from residential use to a bustling retail and office corridor.