Haffen Building

Haffen Building
General information
Type	Office
Location	2804 Third Avenue, Bronx, New York City, New York
Coordinates	40°48′55″N 73°55′07″W / 40.815243°N 73.918731°W / 40.815243; -73.918731Coordinates: 40°48′55″N 73°55′07″W / 40.815243°N 73.918731°W / 40.815243; -73.918731
Construction started	1902
Design and construction
Architect	Michael J. Garvin
Designations	New York City Landmark; Designation List 430 LP-2388; June 22, 2010 Landmarks Preservation Commission

The Haffen Building is a historic New York City landmark constructed in 1901-1902 in the neighborhood of North New York (now known as Mott Haven), Bronx, New York. The building is located at 2804 Third Avenue, also addressed as 507 Willis Avenue, in the middle of a triangular block between 148th Street, 147th Street, Third Avenue, and Willis Avenue, within the Hub business district. It was inspired by the economic growth and upper middle-class status that was prevalent in the area during the period. When constructed, the Third Avenue and Second Avenue elevated train line stopped at 149th Street, a station in front of it.^[1]

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.^[2]

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