what's where

find out what’s where at: New York Songlines: Virtual Walking Tours of Manhattan Streets

we came across this site in our quest to find out more about that strange building at 421 east 6th street between 1st and avenue a.

ANSWER:
“This building, which looks like a giant-robot laboratory, was actually built in 1919-21 as a New York Edison transformer substation–turning DC current into AC. Since 1980 it’s been owned by artist Walter De Maria.” New York Songlines: 6th Street

Another place to look: Department of Buildings