Decker Building facts for kids
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Decker Building
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Decker Building
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| Location | 33 Union Square West, New York, New York |
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| Built | 1893 |
| Architect | John H. Edelmann |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and early 20th century American movements |
| NRHP reference No. | 03001179 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 21, 2003 |
The Decker Building is a cool old commercial building. You can find it at 33 Union Square West in Manhattan, New York City. It's also sometimes called the Union Building.
This building was finished in 1892. It was built for a company called Decker Brothers, which made pianos. The famous architect John H. Edelmann designed it.
Later, from 1968 to 1973, the Decker Building became home to The Factory. This was the art studio of the well-known artist Andy Warhol. The building was named a New York City landmark in 1988. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
Contents
What the Decker Building Looks Like
This building is quite narrow, only about 33 feet (11 meters) wide. But it's very deep, going back 138 feet (42 meters). The land it sits on is even deeper, at 150 feet (46 meters). There's even a special path from the back of the building to 16th Street.
The building's style is a mix of different ideas. It has influences from Venice, Italy, and also from Islamic designs. You can still see many cool terra cotta details on the outside walls today. Long ago, there was even a tall, tower-like decoration called a minaret on the roof. But it disappeared before World War II.
History of the Decker Building
The Decker Building was built in 1892. It was designed by John H. Edelmann for the Decker Brothers piano company. This new building replaced an older Decker Building on the same spot. That first building was built in 1869.
Andy Warhol's Famous Studio
In 1967, the famous artist Andy Warhol needed a new place for his art studio. His old studio, called The Factory, had to move because its building was being torn down. At that time, Union Square wasn't a fancy area. But Warhol's friend, Paul Morrissey, found this loft in the Decker Building. Warhol liked it and decided to move his studio there.
A designer named Jed Johnson helped make the new studio look great. It was a very busy and creative place. Many artists, musicians, and writers visited and worked there.
On June 3, 1968, something serious happened at the Factory. Andy Warhol was badly hurt. He was shot three times and seriously wounded. Another person, art critic Mario Amaya, was also shot. Warhol recovered, but it was a very difficult time for him.
Around 1970, Warhol started using a video camera system. He would record his visitors and everything happening in the studio. These recordings became a unique way to document his art and life.
In 1973, Warhol moved The Factory again. He moved it to a new spot at 860 Broadway, which was not far away. As he packed up, he started creating his famous Warhol Time Capsules. These were boxes filled with everyday items and memories from his life.
Later Changes to the Building
After Warhol moved out, the Decker Building was empty for a while. In 1995, a developer named Joseph Pell Lombardi completely updated the building. He turned it into apartments. Since 2015, the ground floor of the building has been home to Dylan's Candy Bar.
See also
In Spanish: Decker Building para niños
