What is the Puck Building known for?

The Puck Building is an iconic Romanesque Revival mixed-use landmark in Manhattan's SoHo and Nolita neighborhoods. It was originally built for the J. Ottmann Lithographing Company and Puck magazine.

What is the architectural style of the building?

Designed by Albert Wagner, the building is in the Romanesque Revival style with influences from the mid-19th century German Rundbogenstil, characterized by arcaded round arches.

Where is it located and how do I get there?

It is located at 295–309 Lafayette Street. It is easily accessible via the 6 train at the Bleecker/Lafayette stop and the B, D, F, and M trains at the Broadway/Lafayette stop.

Are there any notable features to look for on the exterior?

The building features two gilded statues of a nude child: one is located over the Lafayette Street entrance, and the other is at the northeast corner at Houston and Mulberry.

What is currently inside the building?

The building serves as a creative office and retail property, including penthouse condominiums on the upper floors. The restaurant Torrisi occupies the retail space on Mulberry Street.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Puck Building in New York City

What to know

The Puck Building, located at 295–309 Lafayette Street, is a celebrated mixed-use landmark in the SoHo and Nolita neighborhoods of Manhattan. Designed by architect Albert Wagner, the structure was completed between 1885 and 1893, with a main building constructed in 1885-86 and an addition added in 1892-93. It is an unusually striking example of the Romanesque Revival style, heavily influenced by the German Rundbogenstil, which is characterized by its arcaded round arches. Originally built to house Puck magazine and the J. Ottmann Lithographing Company, the building served as a hub for satirical humor. Puck magazine printed its final issue in 1918, after which the building's purpose shifted. In 1980, Kushner Companies acquired the property to convert it into office and retail space, and in 2011, the Landmarks Commission granted approval to transform the upper floors into six luxury penthouses. Today, the building is a New York City designated landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It now functions as a creative office and retail environment, including the highly acclaimed restaurant Torrisi, which occupies the retail space on Mulberry Street. The building's architecture reflects a continuous evolution, with some western portions removed in 1898 and the Lafayette Street facade duplicated later to maintain its aesthetic appeal. Visitors can admire the building's exterior architecture and the unique gilded statues of nude children, which are affixed to the building at the northeast corner of Houston and Mulberry and over the entrance on Lafayette Street.

Visitor tips

Look for the gilded statues of nude children on the northeast corner at Houston and Mulberry and over the Lafayette Street entrance.
Visit the building's Mulberry Street side to see the entrance to the restaurant Torrisi.
The building is easily accessible via the 6 train at Bleecker/Lafayette or the B, D, F, and M trains at Broadway/Lafayette.
Allow about 15 minutes to walk around the perimeter to appreciate the Romanesque Revival details.

Nearby context

The Puck Building is situated in a trendy shopping and arts district, surrounded by cafes, galleries, and upscale boutiques that line the quaint streets of SoHo and Nolita.

Quick facts