Lippincott's Magazine Advertiser, January 1907 (copyright expired) Incorporated in 1905, The New York Times later said the firm dispersed 'attractive literature regarding suburban real estate from the company's well-furnished offices.' The American Automobile Association took offices here as its headquarters at around the same time. Harper's specialty has been in rare, curious and out-of-print books, early Americana and Rebellion literature, and he is among the leading experts in this line.' In reporting on the move in its February 16 edition, The Publishers Weekly advised 'Mr. In 1907 publisher and dealer in old books Francis P. The offices in the upper floors were leased to a variety of firms. The Record & Guide noted that real estate men regarded the price as 'a fair value for this location,' and added 'The predictions of many old time operators that 5th av would eventually be the leading business thoroughfare now seem to be rapidly materializing.' The price, $1.25 million, would be more in the neighborhood of $36 million today. Hutchins sold his new structure to the Paris-based real estate firm, Raimon Company, in October 1906. The article mentioned that the structure 'will be called the Knabe Building.'Īs the piano firm settled in, Horace A. will occupy the ground floor and basement for their piano warerooms,' it said. Real Estate Record & Builders' Guide, Febru(copyright expired)Īs construction neared completion, on Februthe Real Estate Record & Builders' Guide reported that the building had been leased. The upper portion was introduced by a stone balcony with iron railings that wrapped the Fifth Avenue and 39th Street corner, and the eleventh floor took the form of a stupendous mansard roof with elaborate dormers.

The six-story midsection featured balconies above the third floor openings.

The two-story rusticated limestone piers of the base gave way to a pair of engaged columns on either side of the marquee-covered entrance. Gilbert created a striking Beaux Arts structure faced in tan brick that might well have been mistaken for an upscale hotel. In reporting the plans on DecemThe American Architect and Building News noted 'Work will begin May 1, 1905.'Ĭ. Gilbert to design a vast commercial structure on the site. In 1904 Hutchins purchased the dwellings on the southeast corner of 39th Street and hired esteemed architect C. By now he had amassed a large fortune and turned to real estate development as a side line. The self-made man was born in Cleveland, Ohio where, according to The Successful American in January 1903, he 'started out in life at the bottom of the ladder.' His break came in 1872 when Standard Oil Company bought his refining business and offered him a job. It was a circumstance that did not escape the notice of Horace A. By 1904 the age of commodious private homes along Fifth Avenue below 42nd Street was essentially over.

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