East 9th Street in NYC, a seemingly ordinary thoroughfare today, holds a fascinating history within its blocks. Beyond the brownstones and bustling sidewalks, a piece of New York City’s retail past once spanned this very street, connecting two grand emporiums and symbolizing an era of progress. Let’s delve into the story of East 9th Street and uncover the tale of Wanamaker’s “Bridge of Progress,” a forgotten architectural marvel.
Historic East 9th Street NYC vs. Modern View – Wanamaker's Bridge of Progress
As illustrated in the ‘then and now’ image of East 9th Street looking west from 4th Avenue, a striking elevated walkway once graced the cityscape. This ornate sky bridge, known as “The Bridge of Progress,” was not just a pedestrian crossing; it was a vital link between Wanamaker’s Department Store on the north side of East 9th Street and its annex building to the south. Constructed in the early 20th century, this bridge facilitated the seamless flow of goods and customers between these two retail giants. The photograph on the left captures this historical scene in 1924, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of East 9th Street.
The story of Wanamaker’s on East 9th Street begins with A.T. Stewart, an early department store pioneer who erected the north building, situated between East 9th and 10th Streets, in 1862. John Wanamaker of Philadelphia acquired this building in 1896, establishing his eponymous department store’s first New York City foothold. To expand his retail empire, Wanamaker commissioned an annex building between 1903 and 1907. This annex, which still stands today and houses a Kmart and office spaces, was strategically linked to the main store via the “Bridge of Progress.” This architectural addition not only expanded Wanamaker’s footprint on East 9th Street but also contributed to the area’s burgeoning reputation as a shopping destination. Notably, the annex building is recognized for its historical significance, residing within the landmarked NoHo Historic District.
Wanamaker's Department Store NYC on East 9th Street – Historic Retail Landmark
Wanamaker’s was not alone in shaping the retail landscape around East 9th Street and the broader 14th Street area. This district, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was a department store mecca, home to renowned names like Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, B. Altman, and S. Klein. This concentration of retail establishments formed the southern end of the famed “Ladies’ Mile,” a stretch celebrated for its opulent department stores that drew shoppers from all corners of the city. Just as the theater district migrated uptown, New York City’s retail heart also experienced a northward shift. From its early roots downtown and around Union Square, it progressively moved to the Ladies’ Mile and ultimately to the 34th Street/Herald Square area, where it remains a dominant retail hub today.
The Wanamaker’s era on East 9th Street drew to a close in 1955 when the company sold its north store property. Tragically, before planned demolition, a fire ravaged the building in 1956, leaving it gutted. In 1960, the Stewart House, a large white-brick residential building, rose in its place, marking a significant transformation of the East 9th Street block. The “Bridge of Progress” and the grand Wanamaker’s store are now memories, yet the story of East 9th Street Nyc serves as a compelling reminder of the city’s ever-evolving urban and commercial history.
