Croton Distributing Reservoir, Fifth Ave. & 42nd St. (1899) Photograph of the Egyptian Revival-style Croton Distributing Reservoir at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. This fortress-like structure stored and distributed Croton water throughout Manhattan. It was demolished in 1899-1900 to make way for the New York Public Library main branch — the very building that stands there today. Date: 1899 Loca…