The Forward Building at 175 East Broadway stands as one of the Lower East Side's most historically significant landmarks, originally constructed in 1912 as headquarters for The Jewish Daily Forward, which became the world's largest Yiddish-language daily newspaper with a circulation of 200,000. Designed by George A. Boehn in Beaux Arts style, the 10-story building still bears "The Forward Building" inscribed in both English and Yiddish on its richly ornamented façade. The building played a crucial role in labor movement history, hosting Elizabeth Gurley Flynn's founding conference of the Workers Liberty Defense Union in 1918 and the first meeting of the Sacco-Vanzetti Defense Committee in 1920. Notably, statues of Karl Marx and Frederick Engels were preserved during the building's conversion.
Converted to a 29-unit luxury condominium in 2006 by Ronald Castellano and Christopher Hayes, the building attracts notable residents including celebrity cellist Felix Fan and actress Tatum O'Neal. The conversion maintained the building's historic character while introducing modern amenities including a 24-hour doorman, refrigerated lobby storage for deliveries, bike storage, and a rooftop deck offering spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and downtown Manhattan skyline.
Apartments in the Forward Building are notably diverse, ranging from approximately 600 to over 4,200 square feet, with ceiling heights spanning from 11 to 17.5 feet. Many units feature unique layouts reflecting the building's newspaper origins, with loft-like spaces, oversized windows, and high-end finishes including wide-plank hardwood floors, gas fireplaces, and premium appliances from SubZero, Miele, and Kuppersbusch. The penthouse units are particularly striking, with one featuring a private 900-square-foot rooftop terrace and another offering dramatic double-height living spaces.
Strategically positioned directly across from Seward Park - America's first municipal playground - the building sits in the heart of the vibrant Two Bridges neighborhood, surrounded by acclaimed restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. Residents enjoy convenient access to multiple subway lines (F, J, M, Z, B, D) and the cultural richness of the Lower East Side, making it a coveted address that seamlessly blends historic significance with contemporary luxury living.
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Notable past and present residents at Forward Building
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