In the old days you could maximize your return by making the basement rentable space. But that means it would need lighting and ventilation, right? Simple solution: jack up the building so the basement isn’t entirely submerged in the earth, and lift the first floor up above ground level.

This also had the effect of making people look very small. Look at them: they’re like palomino people.

Lots of bikes. Think any of them were locked to the railing?

To the left: Streetlife, 1889. Extreme magnification of the postcard produces more detail than you'd expect.

Visit Mr. Man the Druggist! You can also see some ads papered to the side of the building, under the Quaker sign.

The small columned building in the middle still stands; it's now a strip club gentleman's club.