287 Broadway

287 Broadway is a six-story cast iron building in the Civic Center neighborhood with Italianate and Second Empire architectural details. The facade runs along both Broadway and Reade Street and currently houses ten apartments with retail banking on the ground floor.

The building was constructed in 1872 for Stephen Storm's estate and was among the first in New York to install an Otis elevator. The ground-floor banking operation reflected the rapid commercial growth that shaped Lower Manhattan in the late 1800s.

The building marks the shift of Lower Broadway from a residential neighborhood into a commercial hub during 19th-century New York's expansion. The ornate cast iron facade reflected how wealthy owners displayed their status through elaborate architecture.

The building sits at the intersection of Broadway and Reade Street and serves as an easy landmark to spot in this busy area. The facade is clearly visible from street level and can be appreciated on foot, though interior access is generally restricted.

In the 2000s, nearby excavation work caused the building to settle unevenly, triggering major structural repairs and temporary evacuation. This unexpected crisis revealed how historic structures in Manhattan can be vulnerable to impacts from modern construction nearby.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1870s

Architects: John B. Snook

Architectural style: Italianate architecture, Second Empire style

Floors above the ground: 6

GPS coordinates: 40.71480,-74.00570

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00