Scribner Building

File:Sanborn Manhattan V. 2 Plate 43 publ. 1903.jpg

The Old Scribner Building is at 155 Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron District neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, on the eastern side of the avenue between 22nd Street to the north and 21st Street to the south. The building spans the addresses 153–157 Fifth Avenue.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1976|ps=.|p=1}} The trapezoidal land lot covers {{convert|4,825|ft2}}, with a frontage of {{convert|59.25|ft}} on Fifth Avenue and a depth of {{Convert|87.58|ft}}. Nearby buildings include the Flatiron Building and 935–939 Broadway to the north, as well as the Sohmer Piano Building to the west.{{Cite web|title=153 5 Avenue, 10017|url=https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/850/4#17.61/40.740432/-73.989143|url-status=live|access-date=March 20, 2020|publisher=New York City Department of City Planning|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422194415/https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/850/4#17.61/40.740432/-73.989143}}{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989|ps=.|pp=144, 293, 296}}

The surrounding stretch of Fifth Avenue was developed with residences in the 1840s, which were demolished to make way for commercial and office uses by the late 19th century. The Scribner Building is one of several late-19th century office structures developed in the neighborhood.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989|ps=.|p=151}} Just prior to the Old Scribner Building's construction, the lots at 153–155 Fifth Avenue may have been occupied by the Glenham Hotel.{{Cite news|date=October 14, 1893|title=In the Real Estate Field; Details of Some Private Sales of Residence Property.|language=en-US|page=7|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1893/10/14/109712033.pdf|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422194321/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1893/10/14/109712033.pdf|url-status=live}} However, city records show that the hotel could have been on the adjoining lot to the south.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989|ps=.|p=144}}

{{clear left}}

The Old Scribner Building was designed by Ernest Flagg in the Beaux Arts style for the company Charles Scribner's Sons.{{cite aia5|pages=236–237}} It has a gross floor area of {{convert|37,288|ft2}}. The building is similar in appearance to the successor Scribner's bookstore at 597 Fifth Avenue, which Flagg also designed. Both structures have symmetrical limestone facades divided horizontally into multiple sections.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1982|ps=.|p=5}} The Old Scribner Building's superstructure consists of a steel frame with brick infill.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1976|p=3}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1980|ps=.|p=7}}{{cite journal|date=June 2, 1894|title=Present Condition of Big Building Enterprises|url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_013&page=ldpd_7031148_013_00000918&no=1|journal=The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide|volume=53|pages=882|via=columbia.edu|number=1368|access-date=April 2, 2021|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422194414/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_013&page=ldpd_7031148_013_00000918&no=1|url-status=live}} The main contractor was Charles T. Wills.

Upon the completion of the building, Scribner's Magazine said its headquarters had a "dignified and striking facade".{{harvnb|Scribner's Magazine|1894|ps=.|p=802}} According to Scribner's Magazine, the building was "the first in America built from ground to top distinctly for the uses of a publishing house". The design was praised by the architectural critic Francis Swales as being "one of the earliest" small stores in New York City to "possess any architectural merit".{{harvnb|Stern|Gilmartin|Massengale|1983|ps=.|pp=200–201}}{{Cite magazine |date=January–June 1909 |title=Architecture in the United States; IV—The Commercial Buildings—The Shops |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=gri.ark:/13960/t1rg2kz02&view=1up&seq=94 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504220023/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=gri.ark:/13960/t1rg2kz02&view=1up&seq=94 |archive-date=May 4, 2023 |access-date=May 25, 2023 |magazine=The Architectural Review |page=85 |volume=25}}

{{multiple image

|align=right

|direction=horizontal

|total_width=400

|header=Ground floor of the Scribner Building

|image1=5 Av Sep 2021 108.jpg

|caption1=Main entrance

|image2=5 Av Sep 2021 103.jpg

|caption2=Side entrance

}}

The facade is horizontally separated into three sections—the ground-story base, the second through fifth stories, and the sixth-story roof—each subdivided into five vertical bays.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989|ps=.|p=282}} The facade uses rusticated blocks of limestone at the base, contrasted with plain limestone on the upper stories, to resemble a load-bearing wall. The ground or first story was designed with large central openings flanked by smaller doorways. It is clad with rusticated limestone blocks and has an arched glass-and-iron storefront in the three center bays. The arch was intended to give the impression of a truss supporting the stories above. Above the center of the first floor is a cartouche with the capital letters "Charles Scribner's Sons", above a garland flanked by putti. There are rectangular doorways on either side of the storefront. Above each doorway is an entablature as well as cornice supported on brackets.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1976|p=2}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1980|ps=.|p=2}} Originally, a curved glass marquee projected from the storefront.{{harvnb|Stern|Gilmartin|Massengale|1983|ps=.|p=201}}

The windows on the second through fifth stories are the same size as each other. The second story is clad with rusticated limestone blocks, similarly to the first story, with a stone band course at the top. The three center windows are designed as tripartite openings with two small colonettes, one on each side. Above the central second-story window are brackets shaped like lions' heads, which support a slightly protruding balcony at the central third-story window. The third and fourth stories are treated as a single large opening. At these stories, the three center bays are separated by vertical pilasters and flanked by half-pilasters. The inner bays are slightly recessed behind the pilasters, with carved iron spandrels separating the windows between either story. The outer bays are slightly projected from the inner bays and are more simple in design, with cornices above the third-story outer windows. An entablature with a pellet molding runs atop the fourth story. At the fifth floor, the three center windows are all tripartite openings with colonettes, while the two outer windows each contain one pane and are flanked by broad pilasters.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989|ps=.|pp=282–283}} The fifth story is designed to appear like a deep frieze.

File:5 Av Sep 2021 105.jpg

A cornice with closely spaced console brackets runs above the fifth story, topped by a parapet and a slate mansard roof.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989|ps=.|p=283}}{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1976|pp=2–3}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1980|ps=.|p=2}} At the sixth story, the outermost bays have curved broken pediments containing cartouches, below which are inscriptions with dates in Roman numerals. The inscription above the left bay is MDCCCXLVI (1846), the date when Scribner's was founded as Baker & Scribner, while the inscription above the right bay is MDCCCXCIII (1893), the date of the Old Scribner Building's completion. In the center bay above the cornice is a double-height dormer that projects from the roof. This dormer contains a tripartite window, with a horizontal transom bar near the top, and is topped by a pediment containing a cartouche. There are skylight windows in the roof on either side of the dormer.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1976|p=3}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1980|ps=.|p=3}}

File:Scribner 155 5 Av King 1895 p541.jpg

The retail space on the ground story was originally the Scribner's bookstore.{{harvnb|Scribner's Magazine|1894|ps=.|p=804}} Upon the building's completion, the bookstore was described in Scribner's Magazine as resembling a "particularly well-cared-for library in some great private house, or in some of the quieter public institutions".{{cite web|last=Marthey|first=Lynne D.|date=July 11, 1989|title=Charles Scribner's Sons Building Interior|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1698.pdf|access-date=April 1, 2021|publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|pages=5–6|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225023501/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1698.pdf|url-status=live}} The ground-story walls were clad in oak, and full-height bookcases with glass shelves were placed in front of each wall.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1976|ps=.|p=3}} These glass shelves were custom-made in France and were used because they were more clean-looking and sturdier than wood.{{Cite news|date=May 1, 1897|title=Library Furniture and Glass Shelves.|language=en-US|page=BR4|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/05/01/101104475.pdf|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331}} The center of the room had oak tables with book displays. The wooden floor was laid on asphalt blocks and the ceiling was supported by high columns with Corinthian-style capitals. There was also a marble staircase at the rear of the store, with decorative iron railings containing "C" and "S" motifs.{{harvnb|National Park Service|1980|ps=.|p=3}} The stair led to a gallery that surrounded the room on all sides except the west. Also at the rear of the store, but at ground level, was a set of offices. The building retained its retail use after Scribner's moved out during 1913.

Two stairs led from the gallery to the second floor, one on either side of the stair from ground to gallery. Additional office entrances are in the side bays of the facade. The second floor originally contained Scribner's operating departments, such as the financial and manufacturing, wholesale, educational, and book-buyers' departments. The third floor was occupied by the departments of Scribner's Magazine such as the editorial, artistic, and publishing departments. The fourth floor contained the subscription department, while the fifth floor had storerooms. The sixth story included mail rooms, circular-printing equipment, as well as what Scribner's Magazine called "the other miscellany of a great business".

In 1846, Charles Scribner I and Isaac D. Baker formed publishing company Baker & Scribner, which Scribner renamed the "Charles Scribner Company" after Baker's death in 1857.{{harvnb|Scribner's Magazine|1894|ps=.|p=793}} The company was headquartered at several buildings in Lower Manhattan through the mid-19th century.{{Cite news|date=April 26, 1913|title=Publishers Uptown: Chas, Scribner's Sons and E. P. Dutton & Co. In New Quarters|pages=11|work=New-York Tribune|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74816117/publishers-uptown-chas-scribners/|url-status=live|access-date=March 31, 2021|archive-date=September 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908165816/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74816117/publishers-uptown-chas-scribners/}} The name of the company was changed to Charles Scribner's Sons in 1878.{{harvnb|Scribner's Magazine|1894|ps=.|p=794}} In subsequent years, the company published works such as Scribner's Magazine, Baedeker Guides, the Dictionary of American Biography. In addition, Charles Scribner's Sons published books for various authors. The Glenham Hotel opened on September 17, 1869.{{cite news |title=A New Hotel on Fifth-Avenue |work=The New York Times |page=8 |id={{ProQuest|92536513}} |url=https://archive.org/details/a-new-hotel-on-fifth-avenue}}

File:Scribner's magazine (1887) (14595398769).jpg

In October 1893, Charles Scribner's Sons were reported as the buyers of the Glenham Hotel at 153 and 155 Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron District.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1976|p=2}}; {{harvnb|National Park Service|1980|ps=.|p=6}} Charles Scribner II, the head of Charles Scribner's Sons during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, hired his brother-in-law Ernest Flagg to design the new building.{{Cite news|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=October 23, 1994|title=Streetscapes/The Charles Scribner House; A Quintessential Flagg Building Is Being Restored|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/23/realestate/streetscapes-charles-scribner-house-quintessential-flagg-building-being-restored.html|access-date=March 31, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=September 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908171658/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/10/23/realestate/streetscapes-charles-scribner-house-quintessential-flagg-building-being-restored.html|url-status=live}} Plans were filed with the New York City Department of Buildings that December.{{cite news|date=December 8, 1893|title=New Buildings and Alterations|page=7|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/95082298|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 1, 2021|issn=0362-4331|id={{ProQuest|95082298}}|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422194401/https://www.proquest.com/docview/95082298|url-status=live}} The Scribner's bookstore relocated to the new building from its previous location on 745 Broadway during May 1894.{{Cite news|date=May 25, 1894|title=Charles Scribner's Sons' Removal; Not One of at Least 300,000 Books Injured – Old Building Almost Deserted.|language=en-US|page=8|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1894/05/25/106098816.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422194326/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1894/05/25/106098816.pdf}}{{Cite news|date=May 28, 1894|title=The Literary World|pages=7|work=The Buffalo Commercial|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74959514/the-literary-world/|access-date=April 2, 2021|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422194430/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74959514/the-literary-world/|url-status=live}} Over 300,000 books, manuscripts, letters, and accounts were moved within one month; according to The New York Times, "not one was even imperceptibly damaged". The project cost $150,000 ({{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=150000|start_year=1894|r=-3|fmt=eq}}). That December, Scribner transferred the leasehold to the Union Trust Company.{{cite journal|date=December 22, 1894|title=Leasehold Conveyances|url=https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_014&page=ldpd_7031148_014_00000962&no=2|journal=The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide|volume=54|pages=930|via=columbia.edu|number=1397|access-date=April 2, 2021|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422194417/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_014&page=ldpd_7031148_014_00000962&no=2|url-status=live}}

Upon the building's completion, a New York Times reporter described the bookstore as having a wide collection of items, including rare volumes and documents. The space was described as having the "appearance of a large public library", with a skylight in the rear illuminating the whole store.{{Cite news|date=December 6, 1894|title=Books for One's Friends; Shops That Are Bright and Gay With Beautiful Volumes.|language=en-US|page=13|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1894/12/06/106842785.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422194327/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1894/12/06/106842785.pdf}} Additionally, the Scribner Building hosted several events and exhibitions. For instance, in November 1894, the building had a bookbinding exhibition "under the gracefully-shaped architectural marquise of which it is delightful to pass in", as it was described by The New York Times.{{Cite news|date=November 12, 1894|title=Bookbindings at Scribners'; Magnificent Exhibition of the Best Works of Famous Artisans.|language=en-US|page=5|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1894/11/12/106840780.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422194327/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1894/11/12/106840780.pdf}} The following year, the bookstore displayed some Robert Louis Stevenson memorabilia.{{Cite news|date=November 13, 1895|title=Some of Stevenson's Work; Exhibition of Pictures of the Author and Samples of His Writings at Scribner's Sons.|language=en-US|page=16|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1895/11/13/106081876.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165130/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1895/11/13/106081876.pdf}} These events continued through the first decade of the 20th century. In 1908, the store exhibited a series of rare documents, books, manuscripts, and autographs, including several centuries of papal and French royal documents.{{Cite news|date=November 29, 1908|title=Portraits of the Popes; From Innocent IV, 1243, Down to Present Pontiff in Scribner Exhibit.|language=en-US|page=2|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1908/11/29/106776020.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165132/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1908/11/29/106776020.pdf}}{{Cite news|date=December 2, 1908|title=Historic Letters: the Scribner Exhibition of Rare Manuscripts and Books|pages=8|work=New-York Tribune|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74960984/historic-letters-the-scribner/|access-date=April 2, 2021|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165201/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74960984/historic-letters-the-scribner/|url-status=live}}

By the beginning of the 20th century, development was centered on Fifth Avenue north of 34th Street.{{cite book|last=Wist|first=Ronda|title=On Fifth Avenue : then and now|publisher=Carol Pub. Group|year=1992|isbn=978-1-55972-155-4|location=New York|oclc=26852090}}{{Cite news|date=November 3, 1912|title=Catharine Street as Select Shopping Centre Recalled in Lord & Taylor's Coming Removal|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1912/11/03/archives/catharine-street-as-select-shopping-centre-recalled-in-lord-taylors.html|access-date=October 11, 2019|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011143425/https://www.nytimes.com/1912/11/03/archives/catharine-street-as-select-shopping-centre-recalled-in-lord-taylors.html|url-status=live}} Scribner's was among the companies that decided to relocate further north in Manhattan.{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1982|ps=.|p=2}} By January 1911, Ernest Flagg had written in his diary that Charles Scribner II had discussed the possibility of constructing a new quarters along Fifth Avenue. The new structure at 597 Fifth Avenue, near 48th Street, opened by May 18, 1913,{{Cite news|date=May 18, 1913|title=Scribners in New Home; Publishing Firm Moves to Fifth Avenue and Forty-eighth Street.|language=en-US|page=37|work=The New York Times|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/05/18/100265552.pdf|access-date=March 31, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316164833/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/05/18/100265552.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=May 18, 1913|title=Scribners' New Home: Publishing House Now Established at 5th Ave. And 48th St|page=7|work=New-York Tribune|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/575077558|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 1, 2021|id={{ProQuest|575077558}}|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316164838/https://www.proquest.com/docview/575077558|url-status=live}} thus becoming the seventh headquarters of Charles Scribner's Sons.{{Cite news|date=February 14, 1962|title=Plaques Will Mark 3 Notable Buildings|language=en-US|page=31|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1962/02/14/107174782.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 1, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316164837/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1962/02/14/107174782.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false}} The development of the 597 Fifth Avenue building was described by architectural writer Robert A. M. Stern as "sure testimony to the rapid march of commerce to upper Fifth Avenue".{{harvnb|Stern|Gilmartin|Massengale|1983|ps=.|p=200}}

File:Scribner Building 155 Fifth Avenue.jpg

Following their relocation, Charles Scribner's Sons continued to hold the old building, leasing it in October 1913 to glass importers D. Bloch & Company.{{Cite news|date=October 10, 1913|title=The Real Estate Field; Row of Harlem Apartments Sold – Washington Heights Deal – Downtown Firm Leases Old Scribner Building on Fifth Avenue – $100,000 Bronx Sale – Private House Rentals.|language=en-US|page=17|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/10/10/100282828.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165135/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/10/10/100282828.pdf}} D. Bloch moved to the building soon afterward, in what local media described as one of several signs of the surrounding neighborhood's mercantile redevelopment.{{Cite news|date=March 1, 1914|title=Twenty-third Street's Busy Retail Block Destined for Great Wholesale Centre; Rapid Readjustment of Conditions Shown by Decision of Many Downtown Firms to Move Into Old Shopping District – Important Goelet Improvement – Changes in Rental Values.|language=en-US|page=R1|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1914/03/01/100083724.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165132/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1914/03/01/100083724.pdf}}{{Cite news|last=Remlin|first=Frank|date=January 24, 1915|title=Realty Tendencies in Chelsea Section District Seems Bound to Become a Great Wholesale Trade Centre|pages=33, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74953884/ 34]|work=New-York Tribune|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74953842/realty-tendencies-in-chelsea-section/|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165137/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74953842/realty-tendencies-in-chelsea-section/}} In 1920, some space was leased to Bardival Brothers, a lace and embroidery merchant.{{Cite news|date=February 23, 1920|title=$500,000 Rental for Old Scribner 5th Avenue Building|pages=19|work=New-York Tribune|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74972163/500000-rental-for-old-scribner-5th/|access-date=April 2, 2021|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165125/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74972163/500000-rental-for-old-scribner-5th/|url-status=live}}

In 1934, the 153 Fifth Avenue Corporation leased the building for twenty-one years. The company was to refurbish the building for $40,000, adding retail on the first story and lofts on the other stories.{{Cite news|date=January 4, 1934|title=To Remodel Building.; Lessees Will Improve Six-story Structure on Fifth Avenue.|language=en-US|page=36|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/01/04/95465442.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165136/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/01/04/95465442.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false}}{{cite news|date=January 4, 1934|title=5th Avenue Property Taken in Long Lease|page=38|work=New York Herald Tribune|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1114860116|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 1, 2021|id={{ProQuest|1114860116}}|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165144/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1114860116|url-status=live}} The renovations were designed by the Scribners' architect Louis E. Jallade along with the tenants' architect Arthur Weiser. Among the modifications were the installation of new storefront windows. Brown, Wheelock, Harris & Co. were named as the leasing agents for 153 Fifth Avenue's office space the same year.{{cite news|date=September 20, 1934|title=Managing Agents Named For Midtown Properties: Nine-Story Broadway Offices Assigned to Really Firm|page=35|work=New York Herald Tribune|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1329080720|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 1, 2021|id={{ProQuest|1329080720}}|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165138/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1329080720|url-status=live}} Some space was taken by Alliance Distributors,{{cite news|date=December 21, 1934|title=Real Estate: Discount Firm Rents Offices In Wall Street Additional Pine St. Space Taken by F. B. Odium; Broadway Units Leased|page=39|work=New York Herald Tribune|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1221558168|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 1, 2021|id={{ProQuest|1221558168}}|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165215/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1221558168|url-status=live}} which renovated its offices on the third and fourth floors in 1937 to plans by F.P. Platt & Brother.{{Cite news|date=September 30, 1937|title=Real Estate Notes|language=en-US|page=41|work=The New York Times|url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/09/30/94432220.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165139/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/09/30/94432220.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false}}{{cite news|date=September 30, 1937|title=Alliance Distributors Expand|page=44|work=New York Herald Tribune|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1240441708|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 1, 2021|id={{ProQuest|1240441708}}|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165200/https://www.proquest.com/docview/1240441708|url-status=live}} Blond wood barriers were installed at the ground floor, just inside the entrance, sometime in the 1940s or 1950s. The Scribner family continued to own the building until 1951. The following December, the building was transferred from the 153 Fifth Avenue Corporation to Harry C. Kaufman.{{cite news|date=December 24, 1952|title=Manhattan Transfers|page=28|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/112306695|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 1, 2021|issn=0362-4331|id={{ProQuest|112306695}}|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165151/https://www.proquest.com/docview/112306695|url-status=live}}

The storefront was renovated in 1969, upon which the storefront's glass marquee was removed. The United Synagogue of America (later United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism), an alliance of Conservative Jewish synagogues, acquired the building in 1973.{{Cite news|last=Miele|first=Al|date=September 15, 1976|title=Statue of Liberty a City Landmark|pages=294|work=New York Daily News|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52319053/statue-of-liberty-a-city-landmark/|access-date=April 2, 2021|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165143/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/52319053/statue-of-liberty-a-city-landmark/|url-status=live}} The Old Scribner Building became the United Synagogue's headquarters and was named Rapaport House.{{cite news|last=Curcio|first=Barbara|date=November 7, 1993|title=Edith Wharton's New York: Gilt and Innocence|page=E1|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/140796542|url-access=subscription|access-date=April 1, 2021|issn=0190-8286|id={{ProQuest|140796542}}|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165134/https://www.proquest.com/docview/140796542|url-status=live}} The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated the Old Scribner Building as a city landmark on September 15, 1976, and the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 6, 1980.{{cite web|date=February 3, 1981|title=Federal Register: 46 Fed. Reg. 10451 (Feb. 3, 1981)|url=https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/fedreg/fr046/fr046022/fr046022.pdf|access-date=March 8, 2020|publisher=Library of Congress|page=10649 (PDF p. 179)|archive-date=February 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201110754/https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/fedreg/fr046/fr046022/fr046022.pdf|url-status=live}} The LPC further designated the Old Scribner Building as part of the Ladies' Mile Historic District,{{harvnb|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989|ps=.|p=281}} a city landmark district created in 1989.{{Cite news|date=May 7, 1989|title=Ladies' Mile District Wins Landmark Status|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/07/style/ladies-mile-district-wins-landmark-status.html|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016150511/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/07/style/ladies-mile-district-wins-landmark-status.html|url-status=live}} There were few vestiges of the Scribner company remaining on the facade by the 1990s.

The United Synagogue sold the building in 2007 for $26.5 million to Philips International Holding.{{cite web|date=May 22, 2007|title=155 Fifth Avenue|url=https://therealdeal.com/new-research/dealsheet/155-fifth-avenuesales05-22-2007/|access-date=April 2, 2021|website=The Real Deal|archive-date=May 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506130924/https://therealdeal.com/new-research/dealsheet/155-fifth-avenuesales05-22-2007/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=January 21, 2015|title=USCJ Sells Manhattan Headquarters To Stem Red Ink|url=https://forward.com/news/breaking-news/213196/uscj-sells-manhattan-headquarters-to-stem-red-ink/|access-date=April 2, 2021|website=The Forward|archive-date=May 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506193037/http://forward.com/news/breaking-news/213196/uscj-sells-manhattan-headquarters-to-stem-red-ink/|url-status=live}} The new owner sought to market the space toward a fashion tenant. However, the building was resold the following year to the Eretz Group for $38 million.{{cite web|date=January 21, 2008|title=155 Fifth Avenue|url=https://therealdeal.com/new-research/dealsheet/155-fifth-avenuesales01-21-2008/|access-date=April 2, 2021|website=The Real Deal|archive-date=February 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207125013/https://therealdeal.com/new-research/dealsheet/155-fifth-avenuesales01-21-2008/|url-status=live}} During the 2010s, tenants of the Old Scribner Building included a showroom and office for clothing designer Rachel Zoe,{{cite web|date=October 27, 2015|title=Designer Rachel Zoe Opening Flatiron District Showroom and Office|url=https://commercialobserver.com/2015/10/designer-rachel-zoe-opening-flatiron-district-showroom-and-office/|access-date=April 2, 2021|website=Commercial Observer|archive-date=October 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028121658/https://commercialobserver.com/2015/10/designer-rachel-zoe-opening-flatiron-district-showroom-and-office/|url-status=live}} a store for The White Company,{{Cite news|last=Paton|first=Elizabeth|date=June 12, 2017|title=A British Home Empire Aims to Colonize America|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/12/fashion/chrissie-rucker-white-company.html|access-date=April 2, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112014028/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/12/fashion/chrissie-rucker-white-company.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Sutherl|first=Emily|date=July 5, 2017|title=Q&A: The White Company takes on New York|url=https://www.drapersonline.com/insight/analysis/qa-the-white-company-takes-on-new-york|access-date=April 2, 2021|website=Drapers|language=en|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165203/https://www.drapersonline.com/insight/analysis/qa-the-white-company-takes-on-new-york|url-status=live}} and coworking space Knotel.{{cite web|last1=Benowitz|first1=Shayne|last2=Rizzi|first2=Nicholas|last3=Gourarie|first3=Chava|date=October 5, 2018|title=Knotel Inks Three Manhattan Lease as WeWork Gets Into 'HQ' Business|url=https://commercialobserver.com/2018/10/space-race-knotel-inks-three-manhattan-leases-as-wework-gets-into-the-hq-business/|access-date=April 2, 2021|website=Commercial Observer|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413123800/https://commercialobserver.com/2018/10/space-race-knotel-inks-three-manhattan-leases-as-wework-gets-into-the-hq-business/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Noto|first=Anthony|date=October 24, 2018|title=Knotel closes $60 million in funds, eyes NYC expansion|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2018/10/24/knotel-closes-60-million-in-funds-eyes-nyc.html|url-status=live|access-date=April 2, 2021|website=New York Business Journal|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316165137/https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2018/10/24/knotel-closes-60-million-in-funds-eyes-nyc.html}}

• List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets

{{portal bar|Architecture|New York City|NRHP}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Cite journal|date=December 1894|title=The History of a Publishing House, 1846–1894|url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924097557270&view=1up&seq=801|journal=Scribner's Magazine|volume=16|ref={{harvid|Scribner's Magazine|1894}}}}
• {{cite web|last=Kurshan|first=Virginia|date=March 23, 1982|title=Charles Scribner's Sons Building|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1100.pdf|publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1982}}}}
• {{cite web|date=May 2, 1989|title=Ladies' Mile Historic District|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1609.pdf|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=|publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1989}}}}
• {{cite web|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/80002715.pdf|title=Scribner Building|date=May 6, 1980|publisher=National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service|ref={{harvid|National Park Service|1980}}}}
• {{cite web|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/0935.pdf|title=Scribner Building|date=September 14, 1976|publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission|archive-url=|archive-date=|ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1976}}}}
• {{cite New York 1900}}

{{commons category|Scribner Building 155 Fifth Avenue}}

• {{cite web |url=http://www.oprhp.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.asp?GroupView=5077 |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration: Scribner Building / Old Scribner Building |date=October 1979 |access-date=October 8, 2008 |author=Virginia Kurshan |publisher=New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401125332/http://www.oprhp.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.asp?GroupView=5077 |archive-date=April 1, 2012}} See also: {{cite web |url=http://www.oprhp.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.asp?GroupView=5075 |title=Accompanying three photos, exterior and interior, from 1979 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020035336/http://www.oprhp.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.asp?GroupView=5075 |archive-date=October 20, 2013}} and {{cite web |url=http://www.oprhp.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.asp?GroupView=5076 |title=Accompanying nomination correspondence |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020034406/http://www.oprhp.state.ny.us/hpimaging/hp_view.asp?GroupView=5076 |archive-date=October 20, 2013}}

{{East Side of Manhattan (14th-34th Streets)}}

{{Fifth Avenue}}

{{National Register of Historic Places in New York|state=collapsed}}

Category:1893 establishments in New York (state)

Category:Beaux-Arts architecture in New York City

Category:Commercial buildings completed in 1893

Category:Commercial buildings in Manhattan

Category:Fifth Avenue

Category:Flatiron District

Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan

Category:Office buildings completed in 1893

Category:Office buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Manhattan

Category:Buildings with mansard roofs