Century Building

The Century Building at 33 East 17th Street is a five-story structure with a one-and-a-half-story attic featuring ornate terracotta moldings in Queen Anne style. The exterior displays elaborate detailing across its facade that reflects the prosperity of its original owners.

The building was constructed between 1880 and 1881 by Arnold Constable & Company under architect J. William Schickel's design. A major fire in July 1888 caused substantial damage and resulted in significant operational changes.

The building housed the Century Publishing Company from 1881 to 1915, serving as a hub for influential magazine production. The space still carries traces of its role as a publishing center that shaped American periodical culture.

The building is open to the public today as it houses a bookstore following a 1995 renovation, making its interior accessible to visitors. The Union Square location is easy to reach and allows you to view the architecture while exploring the ground floor.

A fire in 1888 caused major financial losses, but what stands out is the unusual controversy that followed the incident. Investigations revealed irregularities in the emergency response that led to disciplinary action against those involved.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1880s

Architects: J. William Schickel

Architectural style: Queen Anne style architecture

Address: 33 East 17th Street

GPS coordinates: 40.73694,-73.98972

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03