Havemeyers & Elder first built a two-story warehouse on this site in 1874.1 In May of 1887, the building suffered a catastrophic fire. According to the Brooklyn Eagle, the building was used as a depot by the Erie Railroad, managed by L. M. Palmer, and owned and operated by Havemeyers & Elder.2. Soon after, Havemeyers & Elder rebuilt the building as a three-story warehouse.3

• 1. Real Estate Record & Builders' Guide (vol. 14, no 345, October 24, 1874), 285.
• 2. Brooklyn Daily Eagle (May 29, 1887), 1.
• 3. Real Estate Record & Builders' Guide (June 18, 1887).