Building: 138 Broadway

Williamsburg’s Smith, Gray & Co. Building has occupied the corner of Broadway and Bedford Avenue since 1884. It was built for around $90,000 and designed by architect William H. Gaylor, whose Neo Grec-style designs were executed in cast iron by Jackson Architectural Iron Works of Manhattan. 138 Broadway is the fourth Smith, Gray & Company building designed by Gaylor, who also designed their previous cast-iron building at 103 Broadway, just across the street. The first “Smith & Gray” building was built in 1870, became a New York City landmark in 2005.

The latest and greatest Smith, Gray & Co. building’s opening was the complete package for the preeminent children’s clothing manufacturer of the time as it housed their entire operation — from manufacture to sale all under one roof. The corner building on Bedford and Broadway used the first floor as the retail space, and the sewing machines, shears, and bosses occupied the upper floors. Today, the building (which is not a New York City landmark) houses only voluminous apartments, formed from these bright and airy loft spaces.

Residents at the Smith, Gray & Co. building enjoy a common rooftop deck, ground floor garden, and laundry on each floor. Additionally, residents are permitted to install their own washer/dryer units. The building has an elevator, service elevator, and full time superintendent, and is close to the J, M, and Z trains at Marcy Avenue and Broadway.

Description provided by Christian Emanuel