The lower two levels of this Italianate structure, considered one of the finest and best preserved of the street's iron-front buildings, are set back behind a graceful arcade. Within the setback, an innovative split-level plan allows two stories to have convenient access and street presence. The structure was originally built for the Virginia Fire and Marine Insurance Company. The iron foundry was Baltimore's Hayward, Bartlett. The architect, Johnson, was an Englishman who came to New York and originally worked for Daniel Badger, a prominent manufacturer of cast iron building components. Johnson then moved to Baltimore, where he designed this building.