THERE are multiple numbered street intersections in NYC where each cross street has the same number. Maspeth, Queens is the most egregious example, with multiple intersections of 59 and 59, and 60 and 60. Excepting those, I may do an on and off series highlighting interesting buildings that can be found at these “twin” crossroads.
At #32 2nd Avenue at East 2nd Street, you find a dark brick building home to the Anthology Film Archives that, to me, appears much older than it actually is. It was constructed in 1913 as the Landmarks Preservation Commission explains:
Originally conceived in 1913 as a 14-story “skyscraper type” structure to replace the Municipal Court building on Madison Street, the Ludlow Street jail, and the much-maligned Essex Market Courthouse and district prison. The plans were significantly scaled back in [architect Alfred] Hopkin’s 1917 redesign, which resulted in the existing 3-story structure. After 1948 the building was known as the Lower Manhattan Magistrate’s Courthouse; it was acquired in 1979 by Anthology Film Archives and converted to a motion picture theater during alterations designed by Raimund Abraham and Kevin Bone.
The Anthology Film Archives, established in 1970, describes itself as an international center for the preservation, study, and exhibition of film and video, with a particular focus on independent, experimental, and avant-garde cinema. It features public screenings and guest talks by filmmakers, producers and actors.
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7/28/23
4 comments
Was once the city’s divorce court.My parents became quite familiar with it in the 60s
It came up for auction in ’74.Went to h. school across the street
Formerly the home of cinekink film festival.
Such a waste of a beautiful building.
I’ve been to the Anthology Film Archives. A great place for anyone interested in film!