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Rochester, New York Art Deco – The Reynolds Arcade

In my article on Spot Coffee I wrote there is not too much Art Deco architecture in Rochester, New York. One of the comments I received said there is more than I think, so now I’m on the hunt for Rochester’s Art Deco heritage. My first stop is The Reynolds Arcade on East Main Street. I have to admit this was a building that I read about but never noticed. Recently, when on a detour that took me to Main Street I passed The Reynolds Arcade. Seeing it, well more accurately noticing it, for the first time, the building impressed me and I decided to learn about its history.

The Reynolds Arcade, 16 East Main Street. Opened in 1933. 2018 Photograph.

The present building is the second Reynolds Arcade. On the same site the first one stood for over 100 years and went back to the days before Rochester became incorporated as a city.

The First Reynolds Arcade, circa 1829. Image from the Rochester Public Library, Digital Collections.

Built by Abelard Reynolds, Rochester’s first Postmaster, the arcade quickly became the heart of the new city. At its completion the building was the largest in the United States west of Albany, New York. The arcade housed the post office and Rochester’s first public library, the Athenaeum in 1829. Another early tenant, Western Union arrived in 1851. And the forerunner of Bausch and Lomb originated in the original Reynolds Arcade.

The first Reynolds Arcade shortly before being demolished in 1932.

The first Reynolds Arcade in 1932, just prior to demolition. Photo from the Rochester Public Library, Local History Division.

By the turn of the Twentieth Century the original Reynolds Arcade began to show its age. In the autumn of 1931 came the unveiling of plans for a new building to replace the historic structure. The Rochester Times-Union announced on November 27, 1931 the following:

Big Office Building Planned to Replace Rochester Landmark

One of the largest realty propositions nearing readiness for award of contracts will wipe out an historic landmark, it was learned today. A committee of the Reynolds Library trustees heady by Josiah Anstice is reported ready to proceed ready to proceed with the erection of a large office building replacing Reynolds Arcade at 16 Main Street East.

In its place, if the plan is finally realized, will rise one of Rochester’s biggest office buildings. Those vitally interested refuse to discuss the plan, but it became known today that Gordon & Kaelber, architects, had drawn the plans and early realization is looked for. That calls for the erection of a modern office building, at least ten stories high.

Rending of the New Reynolds Arcade, 1932.

Architectural rending of the proposed Reynolds Arcade. Gordon & Kaelber architects. Image from Rochester Times-Union, May 7, 1932.

Demolition commenced on May 9, 1932 and in less than a year the new Reynolds Arcade opened. The northern section of the building along Corinthian Street remained and Western Union moved some of its operations there while the Main Street frontage came down. Once the Main Street building opened the last section of the 1828 building was razed. The demolition and construction of the Reynolds Arcade provided jobs for approximately 1,200 workers during the very depths of The Great Depression.

Construction proceeded rapidly with the last piece of exterior stone work being set in place on November 18, 1932. The facade of the new Reynolds Arcade consists of polished granite to the second floor with limestone covering the upper nine. Not only being taller than all the other buildings on the block the simplified modern design stood in contrast from its Victorian Era neighbors.

The new Reynolds Arcade tops out. Photo from the Rochester Times Union, November 19, 1932, Pg. 9.

In mid-December, 1932 the newspapers were announcing the new Reynolds Arcade would be ready for occupancy by the following April 1st. Some of the enticements for prospective tenants were private parking at the rear along Corinthian Street and acoustical treatment of ceilings to deaden noise and clatter.

New Reynolds Arcade parking advertisement

Newspaper advertisement featuring the private parking for the new Reynolds Arcade. Democrat & Chronicle, December 12, 1932.

Air conditioning ad for the new Reynolds Arcade.

Air conditioning for the new Reynolds Arcade. Democrat and Chronicle advertisement October 23, 1932.

The new Reynolds Arcade provided air conditioning for its offices, a first for Rochester. This would be the most modern building in the city, although not its tallest. A relatively squat building, the architects decorated the facade to emphasize verticality. The decorative metal main entrance rises up to the fourth floor with a stylized eagle topping the it. Receding step back style up the face of the building it directs one’s eye up the central shaft to the engraved name at the top. Modernistic carved limestone at the fifth floor continues the upward feeling.

The Reynolds Arcade main entrance on East Main Street. Stepped back decorative metal. 2018 photo.

Decorative metal work on the facade of the Reynolds Arcade.

Detail of the Reynolds Arcade facade decorative metal work, showing the stylized eagle at the fourth floor. 2018 photo.

Detail of the carved limestone at the fifth floor leading one’s eye up to the engraved name at the apex of the building. 2018 Photo.

Even the metal spandrels between the windows, designed like feathers on an arrow, point upward.

Detail of the decorative metal spandrels on the Reynolds Arcade. 2018 photo.

The finished building does differ slightly from the original plans. An additional floor being the biggest change. Also the carved limestone window boxes, originally planned for below the fifth story windows, moved up below the tenth story on the sides and the eleventh story in the middle section.

Detail of the carved limestone window boxes at the eleventh floor and carved decorations at the top of the Reynolds Arcade. 2018 photo.

Ground floor businesses began moving into the new building by early March, 1933. The rest of the building opened on schedule in April.

The entrance to the new Reynolds Arcade, February 26, 1933. Rochester Times Union, February 27, 1933, Pg. 8

The Reynolds Arcade remained basically unchanged for the next 28 years. A five-story annex opened in the spring of 1961 at the back of the building along Corinthian Street. Built over the existing Reynolds Arcade parking, the International Style of the annex did not mix well with the 1933 building. At the same time the original lobby received a mid-century marble renovation that blended stylistically with the annex. This design remains to this day.

Sometime later the annex received an exterior makeover, which changed the outside, top floor and roof from a late 1950’s appearance to a bland sleekness.

The five story Reynolds Arcade annex, 1961.

Democrat & Chronicle advertisement for the five story Reynolds Arcade annex. April 16, 1961.

: The 1961 Reynolds Arcade annex in 2018.

: The Reynolds Arcade annex looking toward the 1933 building. 2018 photo.

Main Street looking east, circa 1946. The Reynolds Arcade is at the left center of the photo. At the corner is the 1879 Elwood Building. Photo from the Rochester Public Library, Local History Division.

In 1967 came the demolition of the Elwood Building, at the corner of State and Main Streets. In its place rose the Crossroads Building, completed in 1969. At 15 stories it blocked the view of the Reynolds Arcade from the west. Then in the early 1970’s the buildings between the Reynolds Arcade and Front Street came down for the construction of First Federal Plaza (1976). At 21 floors, crowned by a “flying saucer” that once housed a revolving restaurant, it’s more than double the height of the Reynolds Arcade.

The Reynolds Arcade sandwiched between the Crossroads Building (on the left) and First Federal Plaza (on the right). 2018 photo.

Today the Reynolds Arcade is no longer a stand out in the Rochester skyline. It is still an impressive Art Deco building that deserves attention. So the next time you happen to be in downtown Rochester, New York, take a moment to notice the Reynolds Arcade.

Anthony & Chris (The Freakin’, Tiquen Guys)

Fiesta 101: Part Nine 1946 Deletions

Some of today’s most collectible pieces of Fiesta were cut from the line in 1946. *Note: By 1946 Fiesta was available in only five colors, ivory, cobalt, yellow, turquoise and light green. Because of government restrictions with uranium oxide the use of the red glaze stopped in 1944. Due to the two-year shorter production life, pieces in red often have a higher price today.

August, 1946

8 Inch Flower Vase

8 Inch Turquoise Flower vase, with a 10 Inch Red and 12 Inch Yellow for comparison. Image from vintageamericanpottery.com

The 8 inch flower vase survived almost four years longer than the 10 and 12 inch versions. In production for ten years (in all colors except for red eliminated in 1944), being discontinued in the summer of 1946. Today it is a little easier to find than the two larger versions. Though when found it still commands a relatively high price. In mint condition expect to pay anywhere from $200.00 – $500.00 and maybe a bit higher (especially for a red one).

November, 1946

The largest one time cut of items in the Fiesta line came toward the end of 1946, with the elimination of 14 pieces. No other change to Fiesta would be as drastic until 1969 and its restyling to Fiesta Ironstone.

Bulb Candle holders

One cobalt and a pair of red bulb candle holders. Image from VintageFiestaShop on Etsy.

More traditional in appearance than the tripod candle holder, the bulb candle holder proved more popular with consumers. As a result in stayed in production four years longer. Even though discontinued more than 70 years ago Bulb candle holders are still relatively easy to find. And their value reflects this. One can find a single one sometimes as little as $10.00 on the low-end and up to $100.00 or slightly more for a pair in mint condition.

The Carafe

Fiesta Carafes (1936 – 1946) in all six colors. Image from vintageamericanpottery.com

For any Fiesta collector the carafe is a highly desirable addition. These are difficult to find today. The capacity of the carafe is three pints. The lid has a cork stopper with a hand applied finial. The finial, front of the lid and bases were prone to damage. So expect to pay between $150.00 – $200.00 for a carafe in excellent shape.

12 Inch Comport

Fiesta comport in yellow. Image from Etsy.

This elegant piece, original to the line, makes a statement on any table. Used to serve fruit, salads or for holding a flower arrangement. This is a piece that is not too difficult to find today and since the recession the prices for comports have tumbled. Once hard to find under $100.00 today one can buy a comport from $40.00 – $100.00.

Sweets Comport

Sweets comports in light green and turquoise from the author’s collection.

The sweets comport was part of the Fiesta line from the beginning in January, 1936. Today this is a piece that is not easy to find. And it is also a piece whose value has not diminished since the recession. Values for a sweets comport in good condition range from $95.00 to just over $200.00.

Footed Salad Bowl

Footed Salad Bowl in yellow. Image from vintageamericanpottery.com

This large bowl is great for a salad if you have a family the size of the Duggar’s. It can also substitutes for a punch bowl. As a matter of fact a Tom and Jerry set did use the ivory color bowl with applied gold trim and letters just for that purpose. Introduced in January of 1936, the footed salad bowl came with the hefty price of $2.25 ($41.00 in 2018) and apparently did not sell too well. This makes them hard to find today. Because of their rarity this piece has retained much of its pre-recession value. In mint condition a footed salad bowl can sell between $250.00 – $400.00. The Tom and Jerry bowl will command an even higher price.

Ivory footed salad bowl as the Tom and Jerry punch bowl. Image from picclick.com.

11 3/4 Inch Fruit Bowl

113/4 Inch Fruit Bowl in old ivory. From the collection of the author.

Frederick Rhead, designer of Homer Laughlin china, planned this bowl to be part of the Kitchen Kraft line. The decision to move it to the Fiesta line in June, 1937 was the choice of the company’s president, Joseph M. Wells, Sr. With production of the bowl beginning soon after, it was in stores by either the end of the year or early in 1938. Because of a relatively short production life, just around nine years, these bowls are very hard to find. But their current selling prices does not reflect that scarcity. Pre 2008 recession values for the Fruit Bowl ranged from $300.00 – $350.00, today one can find these bowls on-line from around $100.00 – $150.00.

9 1/2 Inch Nappy Bowl

Yellow 9 1/2 inch Nappy Bowl. Image from ebay.com

The 9 1/2 inch nappy or serving bowl is a utilitarian piece. In production for only around 11 years it’s surprising how easy they are to find today. Though finding one in mint or excellent condition can be a challenge. Well used in their time, today these bowls often have chips along the rim. But in good condition expect to pay anywhere between $30.00 – $70.00.

Marmalade

Fiesta Marmalade in turquoise from the author’s collection.

A mid-1936 addition to the Fiesta line, the marmalade, seems not to have sold well during the 10 years it was in production. And that makes it a difficult to find and an expensive piece to buy today. It is easier to find the marmalade base than one with a lid. But if you buy a lidless one, be aware it will be very, very difficult to find a matching lid. Current on-line prices are: without a lid $180.00 – $250.00 and $280.00 – $360.00 with lid. The marmalade is a piece that is usually a little cheaper in an antique store, if you can find one.

Mustard

Fiesta mustard in light green. Image from Etsy.com.

Like the marmalade the mustard jar was another mid-1936 addition. Rejecting the original design as too large (it became the marmalade), Frederick Rhead redesigned a smaller model. The new jar is about the same size as the salt and pepper shakers. The lid is one piece, slipped cast and is similar to the medium teapot lid. All other pieces in the line have hand applied flared finials. Finding a mint condition mustard today is an expensive addition to a Fiesta collection. There are many lidless mustards in the market place and like the marmalade finding a matching lid will be hard. Today the price range is wide for a mustard anywhere from $150.00 – $350.00 for one in mint condition.

Ice Pitcher

Light green Ice Pitcher. Image from picclick.com

Here is another not too easy to find piece. Although it is a bit more common than some of the other pieces deleted at this time. The ice pitcher was part of the Fiesta line right from the start in the early months of 1936. This is a large pitcher, that holds two quarts, so it is very heavy when full. The prices for one these days vary widely and range from around $40.00 – $150.00 or more.

Large Teapot

Large Fiesta teapot in cobalt. Image from ebay.com

Here is another item of Fiesta available when the line hit the stores in early 1936. The teapot holds a full eight cups and when full can be awkward to use. As in many cases Homer Laughlin listen to retailers suggestions and a smaller and easier to handle teapot became available in 1937. Sales of the larger version must have declined after the introduction of the smaller teapot leading to its elimination towards the end of 1946. Like many of the other serving pieces dropped at this time, large teapots are getting harder and harder to find, especially in excellent condition. Current prices range from $75.00 – $250.00.

Utility Tray

A Utility Tray in old ivory, from the collection of the author.

Like the nappy bowls, the utility tray is another plain piece that lives up to its name. Designed for a variety uses, a tray for a sugar bowl and creamer, a spoon rest or a plate to serve carrot or celery sticks. Celery tray is another name for this piece. Added to the line in mid-1936 the utility tray had a revision in 1938 that slightly changed its shape. Values for either style are the same. Most sell between $20.00 – $30.00 today, which is not too far off from their pre-recession values.

Bud Vase

Fiesta Cobalt Bud Vase from the author’s collection.

In production for 11 years, the bud vase obviously sold well as so many are readily available today. If you want to add one to your collection shop around, prices vary greatly for this piece, from $20.00 on the low-end to over $100.00 on the high.

Water Tumbler

Fiesta Water Tumblers in the colors available at the time they were discontinued. From the collection of the author.

Added to the line in March, 1937, a little more than a year after the introduction of Fiesta, water tumblers had a production life of just over 9 1/2 years (red ones only 7 1/2 years). In 2018 they seem very difficult to find at antique stores and flea markets. They are much easier to find on-line and their prices are all over the place anywhere from $10.00 at the low-end to $60.00 on the high. Most seem to be in the $20.00 – $30.00 range.