kids encyclopedia robot

Gunther Building (Broome Street) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Gunther Building (Broome Street)
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property
Gunther Building Broome and Greene St.jpg
The Gunther Building's distinctive curved corner
Part of SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District (ID78001883)
Added to NRHP June 29, 1978

The Gunther Building is a very old and special building. You can find it at 469 Broome Street in the SoHo area of Manhattan, New York City. It sits right on the corner of Greene Street. This building is famous for its unique look and interesting past.

What Makes the Gunther Building Special?

The Gunther Building was designed by an architect named Griffith Thomas. He finished building it around 1871 or 1872. It was built using a style called cast-iron architecture. This means many parts of the building's outside were made from melted iron poured into molds. This was a popular way to build in the SoHo area back then.

Unique Design Features

Even though many buildings in SoHo are made of cast iron, the Gunther Building stands out. It has a bright white front, which makes it easy to spot. The building also has fancy Corinthian columns. These are tall, decorative pillars often seen in old Greek and Roman buildings. Another cool feature is its curved glass corner, which gives it a very distinct shape.

History of the Gunther Building

The building was originally built for William Gunther. He was a well-known furrier in the 1800s. A furrier is someone who makes or sells clothes and items from animal furs. The Gunther Building was first used as a large warehouse. This means it was a big storage place for textiles (like fabrics) and furs.

From Warehouse to Art Studios

Over time, the building's use changed. Today, it is mostly used by artists and architects. These creative people use the spaces for their studios and offices.

A Protected Landmark

The Gunther Building is an important part of the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District. This district is a special area where many old buildings are protected because of their history and architecture. In 1978, the Gunther Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to American history. Being on this list helps protect the building for future generations.

In 2001, a big project was finished to fix up the outside of the building. This five-year restoration helped keep the Gunther Building looking great.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gunther Building (Broome Street) para niños

kids search engine
Gunther Building (Broome Street) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.