History and Significance of 4304 Broadway - New York's Iconic Theater District Address

The History and Significance of 4304 Broadway in New York City

Broadway is one of the most famous streets in New York City, known worldwide for its theater district and entertainment history. At the upper west side of Manhattan, Broadway runs diagonally through the city grid, creating unique shapes for the blocks that line it. One of these unique addresses is 4304 Broadway, a building steeped in over a century of New York history and culture.

The Early Days of 4304 Broadway

The lot at 4304 Broadway was originally occupied by a row of brownstones built in the late 1800s. During this era, the Upper West Side was an upscale residential neighborhood attracting New York's elite. The broad sidewalks along Broadway were designed for leisurely strolls, and the street itself was known as the "Avenue of Palaces" thanks to the mansions of wealthy residents.

In the early 20th century, the brownstones at 4304 Broadway were replaced by a six-story loft building in 1924. This type of mixed-use structure with spacious floors was popular among garment manufacturers, printers, designers and other tradespeople during a period of rapid development in New York City.

The proximity to theaters also made the upper floors of 4304 Broadway ideal for housing performers, musicians and artists. Long before the legendary music clubs of Greenwich Village existed, Broadway near West 72nd street was the heart of New York's cabaret scene.

The Golden Age of Cabaret

In the 1930s and 40s, Broadway was dotted with intimate nightclubs and piano bars that featured jazz singers, comedians, dancers and other entertainers. The clubs provided a space where all of New York society mixed together to enjoy entertainment and cocktails after Broadway shows.

One of the most famous cabarets located in 4304 Broadway during this golden era was the Ruban Bleu, which opened in the building in the mid-1930s. The Ruban Bleu presented a dazzling array of performers including jazz legends Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie.

The club was ocated on the third floor of the building, decorated in blue velvet and silver. Stars like Lena Horne and Nat King Cole would drop in to perform impromptu late-night sessions there after their big theater shows ended. Socialites in fur coats mingled with Bohemian artists at the tables while waiters served cocktails until the wee hours.

In 1940 the club was taken over by jazz pianist Monte Kay who renamed it Kelly's Stables. Kay introduced the concept of exotic dancers performing jazz numbers, outraging the Catholic church across the street. Kelly's Stables became one of the most fashionable hot spots in the city, frequented by celebrities like Marlon Brando, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor.

From the Beats to Punk Rock

After World War II, the rise of television drove much of the entertainment industry away from Broadway. The once grand theaters and clubs lost their luster for a time. During the 1950s, the cabaret floors of 4304 Broadway were home to school of design and an aluminum products manufacturer.

In the 1960s, the low rents in the Upper West Side attracted beatnik writers, folk and rock musicians, forming an avant-garde arts scene. Impromptu poetry readings and open mike performances began happening in the old cabaret spaces. These gatherings morphed into underground punk rock clubs as the neighborhood gentrified again in the 70s and 80s.

Most famously, 4304 Broadway contained the iconic music venue Kenny's Castaways for over 30 years. Kenny's Castaways first opened in 1967, hosting folk rockers like Bob Dylan in its early years. Underground pioneers like Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen and Blondie all made appearances on the small Kenny's stage.

Although Kenny's Castaways shuttered in 2012, its gritty rock and roll legacy continues to be part of 4304 Broadway's storied past as an entertainment landmark.

Broadway Today: Luxury Living

In recent decades, the Upper West Side has become more gentrified and some of the old music clubs have been converted to upscale residences. In 2012, 4304 Broadway underwent a total conversion from 20th century Bohemian hangout into luxury living spaces.

Behind the original 1920s brick facade, the guts of building were completely renovated into 32 luxury condominiums. Ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms, the residences feature high end finishes like granite counters, oak floors, in-unit washer/dryers and video intercom systems.

The 6th and 7th floors were rebuilt with high ceilings to echo the grandeur of the original cabaret spaces. A state-of-the-art fitness center and shared rooftop deck were also added.

Today 4304 continues to represent both the history and progress of one of New York's most iconic streets. While no longer home to jazz joints and punk clubs, the spirit of Broadway's entertainment legacy lives on in this adaptive structure.

For home buyers interested in owning a piece of Broadway's storied past, 4304 Broadway offers modernliving spaces steeped in the glamour and grit of New York City.

FAQs

What famous clubs were located in 4304 Broadway?

In the 1930s and 40s, the Ruban Bleu and Kelly's Stables jazz clubs located on the 3rd floor of 4304 Broadway hosted performances by Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Nat King Cole and many other stars.

Who performed at Kenny's Castaways?

Kenny's Castaways operated on the 3rd floor of 4304 Broadway from 1967 to 2012, hosting early performances by Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen and Blondie.

What type of building is 4304 Broadway?

The original 1920s loft building at 4304 Broadway was renovated in 2012 behind its facade into 32 luxury condominiums with high end finishes.

Where is 4304 Broadway located?

4304 Broadway is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, on the west side of Broadway between West 73rd and West 74th Streets.

Why is the address 4304 Broadway significant?

The diagonal path of Broadway through Manhattan's grid creates unique building addresses like 4304. This address has been home to over a century of New York entertainment history.