| Bulding Address: | 495 Broadway, New York NY 10012 |
| Building Name: | The New Era Building |
| Building Alternate address: | 495 Broadway |
| Zip Code: | 10012 |
| Neighborhood: | Soho |
| Borough: | Manhattan |
| Stories: | 8 |
| Year Built: | 1893 |
| Building Class: | B |
| Block & lot: | 00484-0024 |
The New Era Building, located at 495 Broadway in the SoHo section of Manhattan, New York City, is a historic Art Nouveau commercial loft building. Completed in 1893, it was designed by Alfred Zucker for Augustus D. Julliard. The building features eight floors and stands out with its Parisian-inspired two-story copper mansard roof and squat rounded Doric columns supporting large windows.
Originally intended for the New Era Printing Company, it soon became the headquarters for Butler Brothers, an early mail-order catalogue company. In 1927, Butler Brothers began franchising the Ben Franklin Stores. However, the building suffered a significant fire on December 29, 1927, causing a partial collapse of its structure.
In recent years, the building has been home to various creative businesses and notable tenants, including fashion companies and art galleries. The Swiss Institute of Contemporary Art New York occupied a loft in the building from 1994 to 2011. Today, the New Era Building is recognized for its unique architectural features and its place in the SoHo Cast Iron Historic District.
495 Broadway, Manhattan, NYC
New Era Building
The New Era Building is an Art Nouveau commercial loft building located at 495 Broadway, between Spring Street and Broome Street, in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
Completed in 1893, the eight-story brick and masonry structure is a rare example of Art Nouveau architecture in Manhattan. It features four squat rounded Doric columns on its façade, three vertical rows of large windows separated by brickwork and iron ornamentation, and a two-story copper-fronted mansard roof coated with verdigris, reminiscent of Parisian design.
The building encompasses approximately 90,000 square feet of office space across eight floors, with an average floor size of about 10,000 square feet. It extends through the block to also front Mercer Street parallel to Broadway.
Originally intended for the New Era Printing Company, it was soon occupied by the Butler Brothers mail-order business. Over time, it accommodated various tenants including creative and media companies as well as retail businesses.
Located in SoHo, the building benefits from access to several nearby subway lines and is surrounded by numerous shopping and dining options.
Key Details
- Address: 495 Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, NY
- Neighborhood: SoHo
- Architectural Style: Art Nouveau
- Year Built: 1893
- Height: 8 stories
- Total Area: Approximately 90,000 square feet
- Mansard Roof: Two-story copper fronted with verdigris patina
The New Era Building at 495 Broadway in Manhattan, NYC, offers several notable amenities for office tenants, reflecting its historic and architectural significance along with modern functionality.
- Above-standard ceiling heights ranging from 13 to 15 feet, featuring vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls that create a loft-like atmosphere.
- Two self-service passenger elevators to facilitate convenient vertical transportation within the eight-story building.
- An attended freight elevator designed to support heavy and large deliveries efficiently.
- 24/7 building access enabling tenants to enter and exit the premises at all hours, supporting flexible work schedules.
- Recently renovated lobby and building façade preserving the Art Nouveau architectural charm while providing a modernized entry experience.
- Communal lobby space and communal roof access, offering tenants shared areas for relaxation and informal gatherings.
- On-site fitness center supporting tenant wellness and healthy lifestyles.
- Presence of a lobby attendant to assist visitors and maintain security and building management services.
- Access to nearby public transportation with multiple subway lines within walking distance, facilitating easy commutes.
The building’s historic character, combined with these amenities, makes it a distinctive and functional office environment in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan.
The New Era Building, located at 495 Broadway in SoHo, Manhattan, has been home to various creative businesses over the years. Current tenants include:
- The News
- Drive 495
- French Tuesdays
- Levi's
- Proenza Schouler
Historically, it housed companies like Butler Brothers, an early mail-order business. The building offers a rich Art Nouveau architectural style, standing eight stories tall with both retail and office spaces.
Internet providers available at 495 Broadway, Manhattan, NYC include:
- Verizon Fios - Offers high speeds up to 2.3 Gbps and reliable service.
- Astound Broadband Powered by RCN - Provides both cable and fiber services.
For specific details and coverage, it's best to contact these providers directly.
495 Broadway, Manhattan, NYC
Cross Streets: Broome Street & Spring Street
Transportation Access
495 Broadway, known as the New Era Building, is well served by multiple public transportation options:
Subway Lines Nearby
- 2, 3, 6 trains
- C, E, F trains
- N, R trains
Nearby Subway Stations (walking distance)
- Spring Street Station (~4 minutes walk)
- Canal Street Station (~8 minutes walk)
- Broadway–Lafayette Street Station (~7 minutes walk)
- Bleecker Street Station (~7 minutes walk)
- Prince Street Station (~3 minutes walk)
Bus Stops Within Walking Distance
- 11 Av & W 38 St (2-4 minutes walk)
- W 42 St & 10th Ave (1-2 minutes walk)
- 10th Ave & 41st St (2-3 minutes walk)
Bus Lines Serving the Area
Train Access
Nearby train lines include Harlem, PATH, Babylon Branch, Ronkonkoma Branch, Port Jefferson Branch, and Port Washington Branch accessible via nearby major stations.
Ferry
Ferry service is available at Midtown / W 39th Street with connections via the SG ferry line.
