Spingler Building

[4][5] The completion of the park led to the construction of mansions surrounding it, which were largely replaced with commercial enterprises following the American Civil War.

[1][5] Despite this, the Spingler and Van Buren families continued to own the land under the western side of Union Square until 1958, leasing it out to various people.

[9] The original Spingler Building, a five-story loft and commercial structure on the site of the hotel, was completed in 1878 at a cost of $115,000.

"[7][10] In 1892, the structure burned down in a fire that destroyed everything below the second floor, but only caused minor damage to its neighbors: the Lincoln Building (to the south) and 15 Union Square West.

[12] On July 17, 1895, James L. Libby & Son leased 5–9 Union Square West as well as the adjacent 20 East 15th Street.

[15] Land clearing began four days afterward, at which point The New York Times reported that the structure would be completed by May 1896.

[17] The Spingler Building was designed for multiple uses, including "stores, showrooms, manufacturing enterprises and industrial lofts," and catered in particular to Union Square's growing garment trade.