14 West 23rd Street began in 1857 as a fashionable brownstone residence where author Edith Wharton was born in 1862. The building was later adapted for commercial use, and by the late 19th century, after renovations by architects like Henry Hardenberg and George H. Billings, additional floors were added and its facade was transformed. The building transitioned from a private home to a retail and office space, later housing Jazzmania Society in the 1970s and 1980s before becoming a modern commercial building, currently featuring a Starbucks on the ground floor.

From Brownstone to Commercial Space

1857: A three-story brownstone was constructed at the address as part of the growing residential area near Fifth Avenue.

1862: Author Edith Wharton, then Edith Jones, was born in the building.

1882: Architect Henry J. Hardenberg renovated the building for retail use.

1892: James McCutcheon & Co. took over the building, and George H. Billings modernized it. Two additional floors were added during this renovation period.