66 Allen Street/ 315 Grand Street was built in 1886 as a cast iron retail palace for The Ridley Brothers Department Store, at the time the largest store in the world. Within 10 years, Manhattan had moved uptown, and the building began a downward spiral culminating in the amputation of its western bay when Allen Street was widened in the mid-1930’s. The evidence of this slice is visible in the irregular remains of the westernmost window of the top floor. The resultant building is a hybrid - a cast iron facade on Grand Street and deco-inspired masonry on Allen Street. 

The existing building was split into three separate properties in the mid 1950’s. Our project was the conversion of the corner site from class C office space to apartment use. The ground floor retail remained in place and the upper floors now have seven large multi-bedroom apartments for family use. We added an elevator and replaced all heating and cooling, plumbing and electrical systems. In coordination with Building Conservation Associates the building shell and selected interior elements were completely restored resulting in eligibility for a large Landmarks Tax Credit from the State Historic Preservation Office.

Designated a landmark in 2012 and spot zoned for use restrictions, conversion to residential use was allowed only by special permit from The City Planning Commission and under the highest standards of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Design and planning work on the project began in early spring 2014, construction was completed in late 2020. 

Project Team

Jerry Caldari
Naoya Hiraide
Ashley Rauenzahn
Marissa Ritchen
Andy Bruno
Sarah Conant