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170 Fifth Avenue, known as the Sohmer Piano Building, is a 13-story Beaux-Arts mid-rise designed by Robert Maynicke in 1897. The building features a prominent gold-domed top and was converted to 11 residential condominiums in 1999. Currently, 1 apartment is for sale.
The Sohmer Piano Building, crowned by its iconic golden dome, is one of Fifth Avenue’s most distinguished architectural landmarks. Designed by Robert Maynicke in 1897 for Henry Korn, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece combines opulence and ingenuity, earning its nickname as a “Renaissance rocket ship.” Rising from rusticated stone piers to an octagonal spire, the building’s striking presence has long shaped Manhattan’s skyline. Its gilded dome, hand-finished with 2,700 sheets of 23.5-carat gold, remains an unmistakable feature of the Ladies’ Mile Historic District.
Originally constructed as a commercial building, 170 Fifth Avenue housed tenants like Sohmer & Co., the piano company that popularized the modern baby grand piano, and esteemed architects and publishers of the era. The building was converted into 11 luxury condominiums in 1999, preserving its grandeur while offering modern elegance. Its 10 full-floor residences boast 12-foot ceilings, expansive living spaces, and intricate architectural details. The penthouse, a sprawling duplex with 5,281 square feet, features a dramatic circular staircase and commanding views of the city.
The façade is a marvel of design, with a two-story base of rusticated stone, elegant brickwork accented by stone belt courses, and arched windows framed by Ionic columns. Above it all, the gold dome rests on an octagonal drum, its Corinthian columns and elaborate entablature lending timeless sophistication. The western façade is equally stunning, crowned with a mansard roof and anthemion-ornamented dormers.
Situated at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 22nd Street, the Sohmer Piano Building enjoys a coveted location near the Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park, and Union Square. Its proximity to vibrant neighborhoods like Chelsea and Greenwich Village further enhances its appeal. Residents benefit from a part-time concierge, and the neighborhood’s premier dining, shopping, and cultural destinations are just steps away.
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