Building: 105 Hudson Street

The Powell Building was originally designed by Carrere & Hastings, the architects of the New York Public Library at 42nd and Fifth, for a Boston based Chocolatier (Walter Baker).

A mixed use coop (residential and office), it a classic loft building, having converted in the 1970s. Unique to its conversion was the developer’s plan to only convert the 5th floor and higher as residences. Lower floors remained small offices for artists and others. That tradition still exists today.

Solidly built, it is a beautiful building on the outside. Shaped like a U it’s apartments separate between the North and South Side, with exposures on Hudson, Franklin and the interior of the U. Window design vary by floor. Originally designed as 10 stories, it was only built to 7. The addition four floors were added (as was the northern portion of the building) in 1905 by Alexander Power (a candy manufacturer).

The retail space is home to Nobu but owned separately by the coop shareholders. Apartments range from 2-3 bedrooms. Classic features such as an original fire staircase still exist in some units.

Description provided by Tony Sargent