NOW

THEN

Originally a row of five brownstone tenements, this building was built in 1884-85, designed by prominent architectural firm A.B. Ogden & Son. Commissioned by Bernard Wilson, the corner building was the only one constructed with a store, likely at the rear, facing East 75th Street. When built, 1057 Lexington Avenue had a total of six apartments, and early 20th century alterations saw the addition of storefronts on the avenue. Alfred B. Ogden, was born in New York State and began his professional career in the woodworking business. By 1874 he already had an established architectural practice in the city. As A.B. Ogden & Son, the firm designed dozens of row houses, apartment, tenement, and flats buildings throughout the city. According to the Upper East Side Historic District Extension designation report, the New York Times reported in 1925 that a long-term lease had been taken on the two remaining buildings of the original row, to ensure permanent southern exposure to the apartments of the neighboring building. In the 1950s, the corner was home to the Whiffenpoof Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, and in the 1970s, to the infamous celebrity-crowded Mortimer’s restaurant.