B. Altman and Company Building

The B. Altman and Company Building is a thirteen-story department store constructed from limestone and brick, distinguished by its classical design along Fifth Avenue. The facade displays columns, arches, and ornamental details that reflect the craftsmanship of the early 1900s.

The opening in 1906 marked the rise of grand department stores in New York that shaped the city's shopping habits for decades. The architects Trowbridge and Livingston designed the building, which soon became a recognizable landmark along Fifth Avenue.

The building sits at a busy intersection where pedestrians encounter refined architectural details in their daily routines. It reflects what mattered to well-off New Yorkers a century ago and how they valued fine shopping spaces.

The building is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street, an area easily reached on foot with nearby public transportation options. Since it is a protected landmark, visitors can appreciate the exterior architecture, though interior access may vary depending on current use.

The store pioneered reduced-price sales in American retail, changing how shoppers managed budgets and made purchasing decisions. This shopping approach became standard practice across the country.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: October 15, 1906

Architects: Trowbridge & Livingston

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Floors above the ground: 13

Made from material: limestone, brick

Address: 365 Fifth Avenue

GPS coordinates: 40.75139,-73.98306

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23