224 - 228 Grand Street
1939-1940 Tax Record Photo. Courtesy of the Municipal Archives of the City of New York.
| Date of Construction: 1910 (estimated) Architect: Original: Unknown; 1920s Alterations: Adolph Goldberg Original Owner: John H. Simmons Type: Retail/Department Store/Light Manufacturing/Dwelling Style: Italianate Stories: 4 Structure/ Materials: Brick with cement foundation From 1863-1882, the owner of 190-198 Grand Street was S. Tuttle. At this time, there were three independent four-story buildings located at this address. |
In 1880, the interior of these three, four story buildings were connected and used as individual retail stores. In 1886, Piper & Rewick took over the entire retail space and opened up the Grand Bazaar Department Store. The department store sold carpets, upholstery, and dry and fancy goods. In 1892, Mr. Piper took sole ownership of the building, and its address eventually became 224-228 Grand Street.
Atlases of New York City. Insurance maps of New York. Brooklyn. Atlas
104. Vol. 4, 1905
Between 1894 and 1895, Mr. Piper submitted an Application for Alteration of the Grand Bazaar in an attempt to expand his business. He tore down the four existing buildings at 705-713 Driggs Avenue and built a new building that became an extension of the Grand Bazaar Department Store. In 1900, after being burdened with a huge debt, Mr. Piper decided to sell the business to Joseph Michaels, Senior. Mr. Michaels, a well-known furniture and carpet dealer, opened J. Michaels Furniture Factory and Store on the site (224-228 Grand Street and 705-713 Driggs Avenue) around 1900. It remained a furniture store until 1916 when it went out of business.
The property changed ownership various times between 1916 and 1984, and finally ended up in the hands of LLC Driggs Corporation, who is still the current owner of the property. At some point during this period, the property was converted into apartments, and in 2008 renovation of the apartments began. The renovations are now complete, however, construction on the ground floor is still in process.
The property changed ownership various times between 1916 and 1984, and finally ended up in the hands of LLC Driggs Corporation, who is still the current owner of the property. At some point during this period, the property was converted into apartments, and in 2008 renovation of the apartments began. The renovations are now complete, however, construction on the ground floor is still in process.
2011. Photo taken by Hung-Chi Chao (Rex).
