Ahrens Building

The Ahrens Building is a seven-story commercial structure completed in 1895 that displays classic features of the late 1800s. Its triangular footprint sits at the corner of Broadway and Cedar Street, making efficient use of the tight urban space in this central location.

Architect George Henry Griebel designed the building in response to rapid commercial growth in Lower Manhattan during the 1890s. Its completion in 1895 marked a moment when builders were finding new ways to fit businesses into crowded urban areas.

The structure shows how merchants and businesses organized themselves in this neighborhood during the 1890s. Its design reflects the ideas of that time about creating practical spaces for offices and storage.

The building is located in Lower Manhattan and is well served by multiple subway lines and buses in this central business area. The corner of Broadway and Cedar Street is quite busy, especially during the day, so visitors should expect crowded conditions in this heavily trafficked neighborhood.

The triangular plot was an unusual challenge for urban planners in the area, but Griebel used the distinctive shape to create maximum usable floor space. This solution later became a reference point for how architects could work with difficult property shapes.