Haffen Building
Matthias Haffen was a member of the prominent Haffen family, founders of the famous Haffen Brewing Company. As an active real estate developer, he wanted to erect a first-class office building for banking and professional tenants. He turned to then Bronx Commissioner of Buildings, architect Michael J. Garvin, who had been working with Mathias' brother, then Bronx Borough President Louis F. Haffen. Mathias sought Garvin's experience with the area. The two, with Garvin's design, created the Haffen Building, a seven story Beaux-Arts style office complex. For over a century, the Haffen Building housed several banks, law offices, and governmental agencies. Notable occupants have been the Knickerbocker Trust Company (with the next door Hub Center Building at 2810 Third Avenue also addressed as 509 Willis Avenue), the Dollar Savings Bank of New York City, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc.; and the law offices of Javier A. Solano. The building is currently regarded as a "distinct structure" which "is an outstanding and remarkably intact example of Beaux-Arts aesthetic.
References
- ^ "Haffen Building, Willis Avenue and 148th Street". Historic Districts Council. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
- ^ Twomey, Bill (2002). Images of America: South Bronx. Arcadia Publishing. p. 69. ISBN 9780738510200.
- ^ Landmarks Preservation Commission. "Haffen Building" (PDF). NYC.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 26, 2013. Retrieved August 4, 2013.