OVERSHADOWED, perhaps, by the magnificent Flatiron (Fuller) Building across the street, which has been occasionally fully or partially shadowed by construction netting the past couple of decades, is the Sohmer Piano Building on the SW corner of 5th Avenue and West 22nd Street. The former piano showroom with its gilded cupola was built in 1897 and housed showrooms of the Sohmer Piano company. The Sohmer piano factory, now residences, is on Vernon Boulevard in Ravenswood opposite Roosevelt Island.
The piano manufacturer was founded in 1872 by German immigrant Hugo Sohmer. He, too, is somewhat overshadowed by Steinway Piano, also founded by a German immigrant. The showroom building wasn’t originally constructed as piano firm showrooms and offices: it was designed by architect Robert Maynicke as a store-and-loft building for real-estate developer Henry Corn. Other tenants included architects, publishers, and merchants of leather, hats, perfume and upholstery.
The Sohmer Building is famed for its gilded dome atop a two-story octagonal cupola. Ironically that dome can’t be easily photographed when close to the building, as it’s set back from the street. A better look can be obtained further north on 5th Avenue at Madison Square Park. I’d be prepared to pay a fee to gain access to that cupola and gain an enviable view of the Madison Square area!
Check out the ForgottenBook. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
6/25/26
1 comment
The penthouse is currently for sale for a cool $14.9 million, it’s not totally clear in the ad but it looks like the cupola is part of the deal.