The Potter Building was constructed with the most advanced fireproofing technologies available after the building previously on the site burned to the ground.The building replaced a former headquarters of the New York World, which was built in 1857 and burned down in February 1882. It was converted into apartments from 1979 to 1981. In 1886 Norris G. Starkweather incorporated the most advanced fireproofing methods at the time including 40" thick brick walls and cast iron construction for the Potter Building.Two other buildings on Park Row were also part of Newspaper Row but not built specifically for newspapers' use. The Potter Building, at 38 Park Row, contained tenants such as The Press, a Republican Party-affiliated penny paper, as well as The New York Observer.

 The Potter Building originally served as an office building with many tenants from the media and from legal professions. It was converted into apartments from 1979 to 1981.&amp;nbsp;  