Demarest Building

Demarest Building Visiting Hours, Tickets, and New York City Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

The Demarest Building, historically located at 335-339 Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, was a hallmark of late 19th-century innovation and architectural ambition in New York City. Completed in 1890 by the notable firm Renwick, Aspinwall & Russell, and commissioned by Aaron T. Demarest—a preeminent coachbuilder—the building embodied Romanesque Revival and Beaux-Arts styles. Noteworthy for introducing the city’s first electrically powered elevator and utilizing steel-frame construction, it influenced commercial and retail architecture for decades (Forgotten NY; Wikiwand; NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission).

Although the Demarest Building was demolished in 2022 to make way for a new mixed-use high-rise, its legacy continues to spark conversations about urban development, architectural preservation, and New York City’s ever-evolving skyline (Architects Newspaper; Urbanize NYC).

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Demarest Building’s history, architectural innovations, the preservation battle surrounding its demolition, and practical information for exploring its legacy and the surrounding Midtown Manhattan area.

Introduction
Origins and Construction
Architectural Significance and Innovations
20th-Century Evolution
Preservation Efforts and Demolition
Visiting the Site Today and Nearby Attractions
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
FAQs
Conclusion & Call to Action
References

Origins and Construction

Aaron T. Demarest, a leading figure in luxury carriage manufacturing, commissioned the building on the prominent corner of Fifth Avenue and 33rd Street—across from the original Waldorf Hotel and close to the future Empire State Building (Forgotten NY; Wikiwand).

Designed by Renwick, Aspinwall & Russell, the Demarest Building was completed in 1890. Its Beaux-Arts aesthetic featured grand arched windows that echoed the style of Carnegie Hall, while Romanesque Revival influences were evident in its masonry and ornamentation.

Architectural Significance and Innovations

The Demarest Building was at the forefront of technological progress. It featured New York’s first electric passenger elevator—a transformative innovation at the time (Wikiwand). The use of a steel frame allowed for expansive arched windows, maximizing daylight and visibility—key for displaying luxury carriages and pioneering retail architecture (Forgotten NY).

Its brownstone and brick façade, terra cotta ornamentation, and decorative cornice reflected both the Romanesque and Beaux-Arts styles. The flexible interior layout accommodated showrooms, offices, and workshops, many adorned with decorative plasterwork and mosaic tile floors.

20th-Century Evolution

As transportation shifted from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, the Demarest Building adapted. Retailers, doctors, haberdashers, and fashion businesses filled its subdivided spaces, capitalizing on its Midtown location. By the late 20th century, it housed tenants such as Wendy’s and The Sak, reflecting the area’s commercial dynamism (Forgotten NY).

Preservation Efforts and Demolition

In the 2010s, development pressures threatened the Demarest Building. Pi Capital Partners acquired the property and announced plans for a 21-story mixed-use tower (Wikiwand; Urbanize NYC). Preservationists—including the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation and the 29th Street Neighborhood Association—petitioned for landmark status, emphasizing its unique architecture and history (29th Street Neighborhood Association; Architects Newspaper).

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission ultimately declined, citing previous alterations and the need for selectivity (NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission). Demolition began in 2022, making way for a new high-rise development (Urbanize NYC).

Visiting the Site Today and Nearby Attractions

Though the Demarest Building no longer stands, the address at 339 Fifth Avenue remains a vibrant Midtown location. Visitors can view the new development on the historic site and explore nearby landmarks:

Empire State Building: Just blocks away, this world-renowned skyscraper offers observation decks and exhibits.
Bryant Park: A beloved green space, perfect for relaxation and seasonal events.
New York Public Library: An architectural and cultural treasure within walking distance.
Garment District: Home to fashion history and shopping opportunities.

Guided walking tours of Midtown often discuss the Demarest Building’s history and the broader narrative of commercial and architectural evolution in the area (Time Out New York).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Current Status:
The Demarest Building itself is no longer accessible, as it was demolished in 2022. There are no visiting hours or tickets for the building. Visitors may view the new development at the site and participate in Midtown walking tours that discuss its history.

Accessibility:
The site is easily reached by subway (N, R, W trains at 28th St; 6 train at 28th St-Lexington Ave) and several bus routes along Fifth Avenue. The area is pedestrian-friendly and accessible.

Travel Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Combine your visit with stops at the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and the New York Public Library.
Use digital resources or apps like Audiala for self-guided tours and historical context.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I visit the Demarest Building?
No, the original building was demolished in 2022. However, you can visit the site at 339 Fifth Avenue and explore its history through local tours and digital guides.

Is there an admission fee?
As there is no building to enter, there are no tickets or fees. Exterior viewing of the site is free.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, several Midtown walking tours include the history of the Demarest Building as part of their itinerary (Time Out New York).

Is the area accessible?
Yes, the site is accessible via subway, bus, and on foot.

What other landmarks are nearby?
The Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and the New York Public Library are all within easy walking distance.

Conclusion & Call to Action

The Demarest Building’s story is emblematic of New York’s perpetual transformation—melding architectural innovation, commercial ambition, and the ongoing struggle to balance preservation with progress. Although its physical presence is gone, its legacy endures through historical records, preservation advocacy, and its influence on subsequent commercial architecture.

To learn more about New York City’s architectural heritage, explore nearby sites, and stay updated on preservation news, download the Audiala app for guided tours and in-depth articles. Follow us on social media for the latest on city landmarks and urban history.