This Art Nouveau gem the New Era Building stands proudly before you. Its eight stories whisper tales of a bygone era. Originally intended for the New Era Printing Company the building quickly became the headquarters for Butler Brothers. This pioneering mail-order company shipped goods across the nation.
The New Era Building’s story is not without drama. A devastating fire in 1927 caused a partial collapse of eight floors. The blaze raged for two hours before it was even noticed. The damage was estimated at a million dollars a colossal sum for that time. The collapse was caused by unprotected cast iron support columns buckling under the intense heat.
But the New Era Building endured. It’s a testament to the resilience of New York City. The building’s Art Nouveau style is a rare sight in Manhattan. Its unique features include squat rounded Doric columns and three large arches at the sixth floor. A two-story copper mansard roof completes its distinctive silhouette. The building also boasts 90000 square feet of office space. The average floor size is a generous 10000 square feet.
For many years the Swiss Institute of Contemporary Art occupied a loft on the third floor. Now the New Era Building houses a variety of businesses. These include fashion companies media outlets and even a Levi’s store. Its location in the heart of SoHo provides easy access to transportation and numerous shopping and dining options. Today the building’s design and its location continue to attract creative and innovative businesses.
The New Era Building’s history is rich and multifaceted. It reflects the changing landscape of New York City. From printing firm to mail-order giant to contemporary art center to its current mix of tenants the building has always adapted. This vibrant SoHo landmark is more than just a building. It’s a living piece of New York City history. Enjoy the architecture. Soak in the history. The New Era Building truly is a sight to behold.