Metropolitan Building

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About

In 1909, the Queensboro Bridge opened as the longest cantilever bridge in the United States, linking Manhattan to the rapidly developing industrial hub of Long Island City. That same year, just beyond the bridge’s eastern landing, the Metropolitan Building was constructed. The substantial timber and masonry structure was designed to support heavy manufacturing and storage. With its tall ceilings, expansive floor plates, and enduring materials, the building reflected the architectural priorities of the era: utility, permanence, and scale. For much of the 20th century, it served as a warehouse, standing as a quiet yet prominent example of early industrial architecture in New York City.Nearly 70 years later, in 1980, the building entered a new chapter. Eleanor Ambos, a prominent antique furniture dealer and designer with a thriving Manhattan business, purchased the property. She transformed it into a one-of-a-kind creative enclave—housing artisan studios, upholstery workshops, and storage for her collection of European antiques.