O’Neill Triangle

Gazing up at the O’Neill Building, have you ever wondered about the glittering domes that crown its corners? The O’Neill Triangle, the small park nestled at its base, offers a perfect vantage point to admire this architectural gem. The O’Neill Building, a former department store, stands proudly on Sixth Avenue, a testament to the opulence of the Ladies’ Mile Historic District. Built in two stages between 1887 and 1890 for Hugh O’Neill’s Dry Goods Store, the building’s neo-Grec style evokes a bygone era. Its cast-iron facade and large windows, designed to entice passengers on the Sixth Avenue El, tell tales of a time when sunlight illuminated the store’s wares. Those gilded domes, meticulously restored around 2000, almost disappeared. Imagine the building without its signature crowns. After Hugh O’Neill’s death in 1902, the store was sold and eventually closed in 1907. The building transitioned into manufacturing lofts, then offices, and finally condominiums in 2005. The domes, lost to time, were resurrected in 2006 thanks to Elad Properties and the keen eyes of architects working from old photographs. The O’Neill Triangle, a small green oasis amidst the urban hustle, invites you to pause and appreciate this resilient landmark. It’s a reminder of Hugh O’Neill’s legacy and the ever-evolving story of New York City.