Forth Avenue from Union Square

Photo shows Germania Life Building (mansard roofed structure at right) with carts, wagons and people on street. Original title: Germania Life Bldg. & 4th Ave. North. Photo copyrighted 1911 by Irving Underhill. The Germania Life was completed in 1911, the year this photo was taken, it was then a brand new 20-story skyscraper. Source: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

The Germania Life Insurance Building, which became Guardian Life Insurance Building in 1918, now 201 Park Avenue South, was completed in 1911 on the northeast corner of East 17th Street and Forth Avenue. It was converted into a hotel in 2000.

The 16-story Everett Building, on the left, was erected in 1908 on the site of the old Everett House, opened in 1853.

The section of Fourth Avenue, from East 17th Street, at Union Square, to East 32nd Street, officially became Park Avenue South in 1959. The avenue continues north as Park Avenue.