Once believed to be the largest retail establishment in the world, the former Ridley's Department Store building has been reimagined into high-end rental residences (Images via Bold New York)
At a time when buildings in historic districts must go before the Landmarks Preservation Commission (“Landmarks”) to get the most minor alterations approved, it is easy to forget what could happen in New York before this august body was formed in 1965. Take 66 Allen Street: Near the end of the 19th century, department store Edward Ridley & Son expanded into conjoining Classic Revival-style buildings designed by Paul Schoen. This turned it into one of Manhattan’s largest department stores with about 2,500 people employed in its prime.
After the store closed in 1901, the building was subdivided for new tenants, and divided into separate tax lots, which meant that changes were no longer universal. Part of the building was demolished to accommodate the widening of Allen Street, and a new facade on Allen Street went up looking very different from the one on Grand Street. Landmarks stepped in and declared what remained of the building an individual landmark in September 2012.
The facade was restored, and the interiors have been transformed to luxe rentals. (Images via Bold New York)
Advertisement via Bromley Caldari Architects for Landmarks Preservation Commission
The building’s latest trip before Landmarks was made to request approval to convert the five-story commercial building to residential use with a penthouse designed by Bromley Caldari Architects added to the fifth floor. Building Conservation Associates also appeared at the hearing to detail its plans for restoring the facade. Landmarks enthusiastically approved the plan, and the result is The Ridley, a recently launched rental named in honor of the site’s original tenant.
All seven residences feature soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, airy layouts, landmark cast iron accents, and in-unit washer/dryers. Kitchens come outfitted with clean white cabinetry and a top-of-the-line appliance package. Serene baths sport cool accents, polished chrome hardware, Kohler bathtub and vanities, and Toto toilets.
Model apartment living room
Kitchen via Bold New York
Model bedroom apartment
Rents range from $8,500/month for a two-bedroom to $19,995/month for a full-floor penthouse with private roof deck. A three-bedroom unit is also available for $9,750/month. The landlord is offering one month free rent, but these prices are nevertheless more than twice the neighborhood median of $3,775/month for similarly sized units in the neighborhood (per CityRealty listings). Such is the price to pay to live in a New York City landmark!
Residential amenities include a virtual doorman, Amazon package hub, and bike room. However, The Ridley’s most highly coveted feature may be its address on the cusp of the Lower East Side and Chinatown. The building has 2,500 square feet of retail at grade level and is surrounded by popular restaurants, nightlife, and cultural offerings. The Essex Crossing mega-development, home of Essex Market, The Market Line, and the International Center of Photography, is only a few blocks away. When leaving the neighborhood cannot be avoided, the Delancey Street/Essex Street F/M/J/Z subway stop is a short walk from the building.
Lower East Side views
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