Often overlooked, doors are perhaps the most important feature of a building. They are the means by which we escape the often crowded and chaotic streets of the city. Every building has one (well, maybe except for the Raymond Street Jail which was accidentally constructed in 1836 sans front door), but some outfit this largely utilitarian feature with more panache than others. This collection highlights some the city's loveliest historic doorways, from the simple but classic columns of early 19th century Federal rowhouses to the gloriously geometric brickwork of Art Deco apartment houses, and everything in-between.

32 St Marks Place, ca. 1975.

34 St. Mark’s Place | Block : 463 | Lot #26 Building Date : 1891 Original Use : Residential/Commercial Original Owner : A. Ruff Original Architect : Kurtzer & Rohl Description & Building Alterations This old-law tenement was constructed in 1891 and is the twin to 32 St. Mark’s Place. It features a rusticated stone base with segmental arched pediments above the windows and stone carved panels between the windows. Its historic bracketed and modillioned cornice remains intact, unlike its twin at 32 St. Mark’s. The band Dee-lite lived here early in their career. Dee-lite is most known for their 1990s debut hit single Groove is in the Heart.

32 St. Mark’s Place | Block : 463 | Lot #25 Building Date : 1891 Original Use : Residential/Commercial Original Owner : A. Ruff Original Architect : Kurtzer & Rohl Description & Building Alterations This six story old-law tenement was constructed in 1891. It features a rusticated stone base with segmental arched pediments above the windows and stone carved panels between the windows. Its historic cornice has been removed, but remains on its neighbor, a twin building, at 34 St. Mark’s Place.