THEN

Born in Vilna, now Lithuania, J. Leon Lascoff immigrated to New York in 1892.  He opened a pharmacy in 1899, moving his business to this former tenement building at the southeast corner of 82nd Street in 1931. Known as a leader in the field, Lascoff hired architect Arthur T. Sutcliffe, who added pointed arch windows and a corner entrance to give the 1870s building a church-like feel.  When Lascoff died in 1943, the pharmacy was taken over by his son, Frederick, who filled standard prescriptions and sold “bizarre concoctions” until about 1970, when the business was sold. Warby Parker, the current occupant, has preserved some original elements, including the twin mortar-and-pestle that flank the wooden doors, as well as an interior balcony that extends around the double height shop. Of particular note is the 1931 “neon” sign that projects from the corner. Though the tubing is gone and the lettering has mostly changed, it is said to be the oldest of its kind in New York City.