[1] It was inspired by the economic growth and upper middle-class status that was prevalent in the area during the period.

As an active real estate developer, he wanted to erect a first-class office building for banking and professional tenants.

The two, with Garvin's design, created the Haffen Building, a seven story Beaux-Arts style office complex.

Notable occupants have been the Knickerbocker Trust Company (with the next door Hub Center Building at 2810 Third Avenue also addressed as 509 Willis Avenue), the Dollar Savings Bank of New York City, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc.; and the law offices of Javier A. Solano.

The building is currently regarded as a "distinct structure" which "is an outstanding and remarkably intact example of Beaux-Arts aesthetic.