| Bulding Address: | 817 Broadway, New York NY 10003 |
| Zip Code: | 10003 |
| Neighborhood: | Greenwich Village |
| Borough: | Manhattan |
| Stories: | 15 |
| Year Built: | 1895 |
| Building Class: | A |
| Block & lot: | 00563-0031 |
History of 817 Broadway, Manhattan, NYC
817 Broadway is a 14-story Renaissance Revival style building, designed by the prominent architect George B. Post and constructed from 1895 to 1898. The building was originally commissioned by the Weld estate and designed to serve as an industrial and office building for the clothing manufacturer Meyer Jonasson & Company, once known as "the world's largest manufacturer of ladies' garments."
At the time of its completion, the building was considered one of New York City's first skyscrapers. Post, who was an architectural pioneer and president of both the Architectural League and the American Institute of Architects during the peak of his career, brought his innovative design expertise to this project. The structure is built with Carnegie Steel columns, terra cotta flat-arched slabs, and concrete floors, showcasing advanced steel-frame technology for the era.
The facade features a multi-story limestone base with distinctive angled brick piers, arches, and elaborate terra cotta detailing. The building’s L-shaped footprint occupies the southwest corner of Broadway and East 12th Street, with two fully articulated street facades distinguished by limestone, tan brick, and terra cotta ornamentation. Windows include round arches on the upper floors and narrower openings on the top story, contributing to its elegant Renaissance Revival aesthetic.
Meyer Jonasson & Company utilized the building for manufacturing and retail purposes until filing for bankruptcy in 1902. Over the 20th century, the building was known by various names including the Weld Building, the Sprague Building, and the Anderson Building, with tenants primarily involved in clothing and textile manufacturing.
In recent years, the building underwent extensive restoration and modernization while preserving its historic character. Renovations completed by Taconic Partners and Studios Architecture revitalized the facade’s limestone, terra cotta, and brickwork, restored the ornate original details, and introduced modern amenities including energy-efficient windows, updated MEP systems, and a new curtain wall retail front. The interior now features a fully modernized lobby and office spaces with high ceilings and abundant natural light.
A new 4,000 square-foot rooftop terrace offers sweeping 360-degree views of New York City, including Union Square and the Midtown skyline, accessible via a dedicated elevator. The building formally received landmark status in 2018, recognizing its architectural significance and well-preserved historic fabric.
Key Architectural and Historical Highlights
- Designed by George B. Post, completed 1898
- Renaissance Revival style with limestone, terra cotta, and brick facade
- Steel-frame construction using Carnegie Steel columns
- Originally built for Meyer Jonasson & Company's garment manufacturing
- Preserved ornate facade details and restored original facade in 2018
- Modernized interiors with office spaces, retail frontage, and rooftop terrace
- Designated an individual landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2018
817 Broadway
Overview
817 Broadway is a 140,000 square-foot commercial building located at the corner of Broadway and East 12th Street in Manhattan, New York City. Situated in Midtown South's prestigious “Silicon Alley,” it lies at the intersection of Union Square and Greenwich Village.
The 14-story Renaissance Revival-style building, designed by architect George B. Post and constructed between 1895-98, has been fully restored. Its historic facade features limestone, terra cotta, and Roman brick, complemented by a modern retail curtain wall and new energy-efficient windows.
Architectural and Historical Significance
Originally known as the Sprague Building, 817 Broadway was built for cloak manufacturers Meyer Jonasson & Company with a construction cost of $250,000. The structure incorporates Carnegie Steel columns, terra cotta flat-arched slabs, and concrete floors.
The building facade is divided into a four-story limestone base, a seven-story brick shaft, and a three-story ornate crown with decorative cornices, fluted Corinthian columns, and pilasters. Windows feature round arches on the upper floors with slit-like openings on the 14th floor.
Modernization and Features
After Taconic Partners acquired the property in 2016, extensive redevelopment was executed, including restoration of the facade, replacement of all windows, redesign of the office lobby, and modernization of mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) systems and elevators.
The building now offers a 4,000 square-foot rooftop terrace with 360-degree views overlooking Union Square Park and the Midtown skyline, creating a premium commercial office environment.
Building Details
- Address: 817 Broadway, Manhattan, NY 10003
- Stories: 14
- Built: 1895-1898
- Architect: George B. Post
- Renovation completed: 2018-2019
- Structure: Carnegie Steel columns with terra cotta slabs and concrete floors
- Facade materials: Limestone base, terra cotta detailing, Roman brick
- Ceiling height on ground floor retail: 18 feet
- Fully modernized lobby and elevators
- Security: 24/7 attended lobby with access control and surveillance
- Telecommunications: Wired Score Certified Gold with multiple redundant providers
- HVAC: Cooling tower supplies condenser water to floors
- Fire safety: Fully sprinklered Class E system
- In-building bike room on lower level
- Lot size: approximately 8,175 sqft
Location and Surrounding Area
817 Broadway is located in Greenwich Village, close to Union Square Park, Washington Square Park, and numerous transit options including 14th Street-Union Square subway station serving lines L, N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6.
817 Broadway is a historic building in Manhattan, NYC, offering a range of modern amenities. It features:
- Historic Façade Restoration: Faithfully restored with limestone, terra cotta, and Roman brick.
- Modern Lobby: Fully redesigned with an attended lobby on Broadway.
- Rooftop Terrace: A 4,000 square-foot private outdoor space offering 360-degree views of NYC.
- Retail Curtain Wall: New design at the corner of Broadway and 12th Street.
- Energy-Efficient Windows: Replaced for modern efficiency.
- Modernized MEP Systems: Upgraded for optimal performance.
- Reliable Security: 24/7 attended lobby with full access control and surveillance systems.
- Telecom Features: Wired Score Certified Gold with options like Verizon FIOS and dedicated IT infrastructure.
- Bike Room: Conveniently located in the building's lower level.
- Sprinkler System: Fully sprinkled for enhanced fire safety.
- Location: Situated near Union Square, a vibrant work/live/play neighborhood.
817 Broadway, Manhattan, NYC - Office Tenants Rented / Leased
Located two blocks south of Union Square, 817 Broadway is a historic office building designed by George B. Post in 1895, featuring a newly restored façade, modernized lobby, and a rooftop lounge with 360-degree views of New York City.
The building is currently approximately 92% leased. It hosts a diverse mix of tenants primarily from technology, media, venture capital, and financial services sectors. Notable tenants include venture capital firm Inspired Capital and private equity firm SDC Capital Partners. The building benefits from recent capital improvements, including a $40 million modernization program enhancing lobby and rooftop amenity spaces.
With 140,000 square feet of office space, high-efficiency systems, and proximity to Union Square's vibrant neighborhood, 817 Broadway remains a sought-after address for innovative companies in Manhattan.
Internet Providers at 817 Broadway, Manhattan, NYC
- Verizon New York: Fiber-optic internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps download and 25 Mbps upload.
- Level 3 Communications: Fiber internet offering speeds up to 10 Gbps download and upload.
- Verizon Fios: High-speed fiber-optic service with speeds up to 2 Gbps, known for reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Astound Broadband Powered by RCN: Cable and fiber services with plans including unlimited data and speeds up to 1.5 Gbps.
- Spectrum: Cable and fiber internet broadly available throughout Manhattan, with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Transportation and Cross Streets near 817 Broadway, Manhattan, NYC
817 Broadway is located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood, just two blocks from Union Square, offering excellent transportation access across New York City.
Nearby Subway Lines
The following subway lines serve the area near 817 Broadway:
- L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 (at 14th St-Union Square, 0.11 miles)
- N, R, W (at 8th St, 0.17 miles)
- 6 (at Astor Place, 0.22 miles)
- L (at 3rd Ave, 0.24 miles)
- F, M, L, 1, 2, 3 (at 14th St, 0.38 miles)
Nearby Citi Bike Stations
- Lower East Side - 13 min ride
- Midtown - 12 min ride
- Financial District - 17 min ride
- Downtown Brooklyn - 23 min ride
- Williamsburg - 23 min ride
- Upper East Side - 24 min ride
- Upper West Side - 27 min ride
- Long Island City - 30 min ride
- Astoria - 33 min ride
- Hoboken - 40 min ride
- Jersey City - 40 min ride
Nearby Parking Garages
- Consolidated Parking LLC – E 15th St. & 3rd Ave
- University 10 Parking LLC – E 10th St & Broadway
- Amber Park, LLC – E 13th St & 4th Ave
- Stewart House – E 9th St & Broadway
Cross Streets
817 Broadway is situated at the intersection near 12th Street and Broadway in Manhattan, adjacent to Union Square Park and close to major streets including 3rd Avenue and 14th Street.
