THE modest building at 915 Third Avenue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan has stood on the northeast corner of 55th Street for approximately one hundred and twenty nine years and has witnessed wholesale changes in the neighborhood, some so radical as to seem almost surreal.

Alone, cast as a sentry, protecting the vast 45 story skyscraper behind it, this 'holdout' building is still kicking after surviving numerous changes, alterations and usage. What the future may bring seems safe for now, but if the past is any clue than one may wonder what the final outcome will eventually be. What is known is that city records date the building from 1868, although the present owners claim 1864.

In any event, it is safe to say that the building did replace squatters shacks on this block and subsequently, the adjoining buildings on the various other lots have dates of construction from 1862-1871.

The records in the Municipal Archives list Mr. Steven A. Walker as the owner as early as 1884.

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