50 New York City Buildings That No Longer Exist

Advertisement
Jul 26, 2021, 12:46 IST

An early incarnation of Madison Square Garden was located between Fifth and Madison Avenues, and 26th and 27th Streets. The arena was demolished in 1926.

An early incarnation of Madison Square Garden was located between Fifth and Madison Avenues, and 26th and 27th Streets. The arena was demolished in 1926.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The Knickerbocker Trust Co. building was completed in 1903 at the corner of 34th Street and 5th Avenue. In 1921, the building got an upgrade and an additional 10 stories, but it lost its columns, which had been a memorable feature.

The Knickerbocker Trust Co. building was completed in 1903 at the corner of 34th Street and 5th Avenue. In 1921, the building got an upgrade and an additional 10 stories, but it lost its columns, which had been a memorable feature.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The Hippodrome stood on 6th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets from 1905 to 1939. It was one of the largest theaters of its time, with a seating capacity of 5,200.

The Hippodrome stood on 6th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets from 1905 to 1939. It was one of the largest theaters of its time, with a seating capacity of 5,200.

Source: Library of Congress

The Old Metropolitan Opera House was built in 1883 near Times Square. It was the first home of the Metropolitan Opera Company, but was demolished in 1967 and performances were moved to Lincoln Center.

The Old Metropolitan Opera House was built in 1883 near Times Square. It was the first home of the Metropolitan Opera Company, but was demolished in 1967 and performances were moved to Lincoln Center.

Source: Wikipedia

Advertisement

The Hotel Astor was built in 1904 at Broadway and 44th Street. It was demolished in 1967 and is now occupied by a high rise.

The Hotel Astor was built in 1904 at Broadway and 44th Street. It was demolished in 1967 and is now occupied by a high rise.

Source: Wikipedia

The Ziegfeld Theater on 54th Street and 6th Avenue opened in 1927 with a performance of Rio Rita. It was torn down in 1966 to make room for a skyscraper.

The Ziegfeld Theater on 54th Street and 6th Avenue opened in 1927 with a performance of Rio Rita. It was torn down in 1966 to make room for a skyscraper.

Source: Wikipedia

Advertisement

Lewisohn Stadium was an open air amphitheater on the campus of the City College of New York that opened in 1915. It was destroyed in 1973 to make way for a new academic center.

Lewisohn Stadium was an open air amphitheater on the campus of the City College of New York that opened in 1915. It was destroyed in 1973 to make way for a new academic center.

Source: Ephemeral NY

The Singer Building in lower Manhattan was completed in 1908 and served as the headquarters of the Singer Manufacturing Company. It was demolished in 1968.

The Singer Building in lower Manhattan was completed in 1908 and served as the headquarters of the Singer Manufacturing Company. It was demolished in 1968.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The Ritz-Carlton was built on Madison Ave. in 1917 and was regarded as one of the best hotels in New York. In 1951 it was demolished to make room for an office building.

The Ritz-Carlton was built on Madison Ave. in 1917 and was regarded as one of the best hotels in New York. In 1951 it was demolished to make room for an office building.

Source: Lost New York

The New York World Building (L) was completed in 1890 and housed the headquarters of the now-defunct newspaper. It was knocked down in 1955.

The New York World Building (L) was completed in 1890 and housed the headquarters of the now-defunct newspaper. It was knocked down in 1955.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The City Investing Building was constructed in 1908. Because of a real estate problem, the building had an "F" shape instead of an "E" shape. It was razed in 1968.

The City Investing Building was constructed in 1908. Because of a real estate problem, the building had an "F" shape instead of an "E" shape. It was razed in 1968.

Source: NYC Architecture

The Commodore Hotel was built in 1919 east of Grand Central Terminal. In 1980 it was completely remodeled, and is now the Grand Hyatt New York.

The Commodore Hotel was built in 1919 east of Grand Central Terminal. In 1980 it was completely remodeled, and is now the Grand Hyatt New York.

Source: Wikipedia

Advertisement

The St. Paul Building opened in 1899 on lower Broadway and was named after the chapel across the street. It was knocked down in 1958.

The St. Paul Building opened in 1899 on lower Broadway and was named after the chapel across the street. It was knocked down in 1958.

Source: NYC Architecture

The Gillender Building was completed in the Financial District in 1897, but stood for only 13 years. It was destroyed in 1910 and replaced by a bigger building that combined its neighboring lot.

The Gillender Building was completed in the Financial District in 1897, but stood for only 13 years. It was destroyed in 1910 and replaced by a bigger building that combined its neighboring lot.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

Luchow's Restaurant was in the same location on 14th Street and Irving Place from 1882 through 1982, when the restaurant left for another location. There was a fire in the building years later, and it was finally torn down in 1995.

Luchow's Restaurant was in the same location on 14th Street and Irving Place from 1882 through 1982, when the restaurant left for another location. There was a fire in the building years later, and it was finally torn down in 1995.

Source: Lost NYC

The Hanover Bank Building, also in the Financial District, began construction in 1901. By 1931 it was gone.

The Hanover Bank Building, also in the Financial District, began construction in 1901. By 1931 it was gone.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The Hudson Terminal was a rail station in lower Manhattan. It was built in 1909, closed 1971, and was later demolished.

The Hudson Terminal was a rail station in lower Manhattan. It was built in 1909, closed 1971, and was later demolished.

Source: NYC Architecture

The New York Tribune Building was erected in 1875. From 1903 to 1905, nine more stories were added to the building. It was demolished in 1966.

The New York Tribune Building was erected in 1875. From 1903 to 1905, nine more stories were added to the building. It was demolished in 1966.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The Washington Building, overlooking the Battery, was constructed in 1885, It was completely remodeled with a new facade in 1921.

The Washington Building, overlooking the Battery, was constructed in 1885, It was completely remodeled with a new facade in 1921.

Source: NYC Architecture

The Western Union Building was built in 1875 at 23rd and Fifth Ave. It was designed to be fireproof, but burned down in 1890.

The Western Union Building was built in 1875 at 23rd and Fifth Ave. It was designed to be fireproof, but burned down in 1890.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The Savoy-Plaza Hotel was constructed in 1927 on 5th Avenue between 58th and 59th Streets. In 1964 it was torn down.

The Savoy-Plaza Hotel was constructed in 1927 on 5th Avenue between 58th and 59th Streets. In 1964 it was torn down.

The Exchange Court Building in lower Manhattan was erected in 1898. In 1980 it was converted to a modern office building.

The Exchange Court Building in lower Manhattan was erected in 1898. In 1980 it was converted to a modern office building.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

Construction of the New York Produce Exchange Building began in 1881 to replace an older produce exchange. The newer building was then demolished in 1957.

Construction of the New York Produce Exchange Building began in 1881 to replace an older produce exchange. The newer building was then demolished in 1957.

Source: NYC Architecture

The German American Insurance Building was built in 1908 on a triangular lot in the Financial District. It was demolished in 1971.

The German American Insurance Building was built in 1908 on a triangular lot in the Financial District. It was demolished in 1971.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The Equitable Life Building was built in 1870 in lower Manhattan. In 1912, it was destroyed by a fire.

The Equitable Life Building was built in 1870 in lower Manhattan. In 1912, it was destroyed by a fire.

Source: NYC Architecture

The Wolfe Building was built in 1895 in the Financial District. It was demolished in 1974 to widen the street.

The Wolfe Building was built in 1895 in the Financial District. It was demolished in 1974 to widen the street.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The Cotton Exchange Building was completed in 1885 in Hanover Square. It later became the India House, a private club.

The Cotton Exchange Building was completed in 1885 in Hanover Square. It later became the India House, a private club.

Source: NYC Architecture

The original Penn Station was built in 1910. It was sold and demolished in 1962 to make room for a larger rail station and Madison Square Garden.

The original Penn Station was built in 1910. It was sold and demolished in 1962 to make room for a larger rail station and Madison Square Garden.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The City Hall Post Office first opened in 1878. The design was not well received, and it was demolished in 1938, one year ahead of the 1939 World's Fair.

The City Hall Post Office first opened in 1878. The design was not well received, and it was demolished in 1938, one year ahead of the 1939 World's Fair.

Source: NYC Architecture

Tammany Hall was the headquarters of the Democratic party for decades. The building on East 14th Street was built in 1830, and was demolished in 1927 to make room for a new tower.

Tammany Hall was the headquarters of the Democratic party for decades. The building on East 14th Street was built in 1830, and was demolished in 1927 to make room for a new tower.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The New York Tombs, a prison that also housed courts and a police station, was built in 1838. However, the foundation was weak and the building began to sink. It was replaced by a new building in 1902, which was later demolished in 1974.

The New York Tombs, a prison that also housed courts and a police station, was built in 1838. However, the foundation was weak and the building began to sink. It was replaced by a new building in 1902, which was later demolished in 1974.

Source: NYC Architecture

The luxurious Biltmore hotel opened on 43rd Street and Madison Ave. in 1913. It closed and was gutted in 1981.

The luxurious Biltmore hotel opened on 43rd Street and Madison Ave. in 1913. It closed and was gutted in 1981.

Source: Wikipedia

Advertisement

The American Exchange National Bank was constructed in 1906 in lower Manhattan. In 1962 it was destroyed, and today is the HSBC bank building.

The American Exchange National Bank was constructed in 1906 in lower Manhattan. In 1962 it was destroyed, and today is the HSBC bank building.

Source: NYC Architecture

The Union Dime Savings Bank building first opened in 1906 near Bryant Park. It was demolished in 1956.

The Union Dime Savings Bank building first opened in 1906 near Bryant Park. It was demolished in 1956.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The Manhattan Life Building was constructed in 1893 in Lower Manhattan. It was demolished in 1963 and replaced by the Irving Trust Company Building.

The Manhattan Life Building was constructed in 1893 in Lower Manhattan. It was demolished in 1963 and replaced by the Irving Trust Company Building.

Source: NYC Architecture

The National Bank of Commerce in lower New York was built in 1897, but was razed in the 1960s.

The National Bank of Commerce in lower New York was built in 1897, but was razed in the 1960s.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

The Drake Hotel was built in 1926 at 56th and Park Ave. It was one of the most popular hotels in the '60s and '70s, but was eventually demolished in 2007 by developer Harry Macklowe, who is replacing it with a residential skyscraper.

The Drake Hotel was built in 1926 at 56th and Park Ave. It was one of the most popular hotels in the '60s and '70s, but was eventually demolished in 2007 by developer Harry Macklowe, who is replacing it with a residential skyscraper.

Source: Wikipedia

The impressive Church of the Disciples, located on 45th Street and Madison Avenue, did not make it into the 20th century. It was built in 1873, but was demolished soon after, in 1899.

The impressive Church of the Disciples, located on 45th Street and Madison Avenue, did not make it into the 20th century. It was built in 1873, but was demolished soon after, in 1899.

Source: NYC Architecture

Advertisement

In 1867, Congregation Emanu-El constructed a temple at 43rd Street and Fifth Avenue. It was sold to the Durst family in 1926 and demolished to make way for commercial development a year later.

In 1867, Congregation Emanu-El constructed a temple at 43rd Street and Fifth Avenue. It was sold to the Durst family in 1926 and demolished to make way for commercial development a year later.

Source: Wikipedia

Temple Beth-El was constructed in 1891 at the corner of 76th Street and Fifth Avenue. The building was sold in 1945 and was demolished shortly after to make way for an apartment house.

Temple Beth-El was constructed in 1891 at the corner of 76th Street and Fifth Avenue. The building was sold in 1945 and was demolished shortly after to make way for an apartment house.

Source: ISJM

Advertisement

The Richardson Spite House was built in 1882 at 82nd Street and Lexington Ave. to satisfy a personal grudge by blocking the view of another building. The four-story building stood until 1915.

The Richardson Spite House was built in 1882 at 82nd Street and Lexington Ave. to satisfy a personal grudge by blocking the view of another building. The four-story building stood until 1915.

Source: NYC-Architecture.com

Steel magnate Charles Schwab built an ornate 75-room mansion on Riverside Drive, which was completed in 1905. It was publicly demolished in 1948.

Steel magnate Charles Schwab built an ornate 75-room mansion on Riverside Drive, which was completed in 1905. It was publicly demolished in 1948.

Source: The New York Times

Advertisement

The Vanderbilt family built a number of mansions on Fifth Avenue in the 1880s. Most were demolished in the early 20th century.

The Vanderbilt family built a number of mansions on Fifth Avenue in the 1880s. Most were demolished in the early 20th century.

Source: Untapped Cities

This home was built in 1884 at 68th and Madison Avenue for the President of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 1912 it was destroyed to make room for an apartment building.

This home was built in 1884 at 68th and Madison Avenue for the President of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 1912 it was destroyed to make room for an apartment building.

Source: NYC-Architecture.com

Advertisement

The ornate Navarro Flats, a luxury apartment building, were on Central Park South in 1882. In 1926 the building was sold and a number of businesses took its place.

The ornate Navarro Flats, a luxury apartment building, were on Central Park South in 1882. In 1926 the building was sold and a number of businesses took its place.

Source: NYC-Architecture.com

The original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel opened in 1897, combining the Astor and Waldorf Hotels. It was destroyed in 1929 to make way for the Empire State Building and the hotel moved to 301 Park Ave.

The original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel opened in 1897, combining the Astor and Waldorf Hotels. It was destroyed in 1929 to make way for the Empire State Building and the hotel moved to 301 Park Ave.

Source: Wikipedia

Advertisement

The Park Avenue Hotel was constructed in 1878 at 33rd Street. Originally built to provide housing for single women, it was quickly converted into a regular hotel. It was destroyed in 1927.

The Park Avenue Hotel was constructed in 1878 at 33rd Street. Originally built to provide housing for single women, it was quickly converted into a regular hotel. It was destroyed in 1927.

Source: NYC-Architecture.com

Hotel Piccadilly was constructed in 1928 on West 45th Street. In 1982 it was replaced by a newer hotel, the Marriott Marquis.

Hotel Piccadilly was constructed in 1928 on West 45th Street. In 1982 it was replaced by a newer hotel, the Marriott Marquis.
Advertisement

The New York Herald Building, headquarters of the newspaper, was built in 1894 at 34th Street and Broadway. It was destroyed in 1921.

The New York Herald Building, headquarters of the newspaper, was built in 1894 at 34th Street and Broadway. It was destroyed in 1921.

Source: Wikipedia

A "Victory Arch" was erected near Madison Square Park in 1919 after World War I ended. It was a temporary structure built of wood, and was eventually torn down.

A "Victory Arch" was erected near Madison Square Park in 1919 after World War I ended. It was a temporary structure built of wood, and was eventually torn down.

Source: Ephemeral New York

Advertisement

Now check out some more modern construction.

Now check out some more modern construction.

Architecture Fans Say These Are The Coolest Buildings In The World >

Next Story 10 health benefits of eating Papaya in summer
Advertisement
Latest Stories
View All Latest
Trending News
Buying Guides
Advertisement
Popular Categories
Trending Right Now

Copyright © 2024. Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.