The building, as originally conceived, included a gym, swimming pool, music school and theater.

Initially, the 16 stories of the building housed a music school, a pool and gymnasium, a library, clubhouses, workshops, offices, and two kitchens.

Stories from this period include that the national headquarters of the Black Panthers was housed in the building, and that it was used as the setting for several pornographic films.

Famous past or present residents include Walter Tandy Murch, Iggy Pop, Vincent D'Onofrio, Freedy Johnston, Marisa Monte, George Pendle, Andres Levin, Joe Dietrich, Douglas Rushkoff, and Michael Rosen.

[4] Hedge fund manager Brian Kim owned and lived in an apartment at Christodora House.