The unprepossessing “Lot J” building at 748 Fifth Avenue has a history with twists and turns that rival any larger structure’s.
The modest building served as a small theater in the early 20th century, but it was originally constructed to serve as a retail space. The building, additionally, was the second of two buildings constructed on the site.
The lot, “J,” was sold by Alonzo Horton to Mary Mencer in 1869 for $300…