291 Broadway

291 Broadway is a Beaux-Arts office building in TriBeCa with a light stone facade, carved columns, and decorative medallions. The nineteen-story structure features carved stone detailing along the roofline and houses commercial space throughout its interior.

The building was designed in 1911 by the Clinton and Russell architectural firm as the original headquarters for East River Savings Bank. It later transitioned to serve other major institutions reflecting the changing needs of Lower Manhattan over the decades.

The building served as the national headquarters of the YMCA from 1949 to 1980, housing an important collection related to the organization's work. Today visitors can walk through spaces that once supported this significant community institution.

The building has multiple elevators providing access throughout all floors and is easily accessible from the street. Visitors should check ahead since it remains an active commercial building with restricted access to certain areas.

The building displays carefully worked symmetrical forms that reflect the Beaux-Arts conviction in order and harmony. These handcrafted details become visible when studying the facade more closely.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1911

Architects: Clinton and Russell

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Floors above the ground: 19

Elevators: 5

GPS coordinates: 40.71493,-74.00611

Latest update: December 12, 2025 08:01