32, 34 & 36 Dominick Street Houses facts for kids

These old houses on Dominick Street in 2012.

The 32, 34 & 36 Dominick Street Houses are three special homes in New York City. They are located on Dominick Street in the Hudson Square neighborhood of Manhattan. These houses are built in a style called Federal style. This style was popular in the United States from about 1780 to 1830.

History of the Dominick Street Homes

Building the Row Houses

Around 1826, many homes were built on Dominick Street. Twelve Federal style brick row houses were constructed. They were all on the south side of the street. Five of these houses, from number 28 to 36, were built by Smith Bloomfield. Each house was about 20 feet (6.1 m) wide. Only No. 28 was a bit wider, at 20.8 feet (6.3 m).

Changes Over Time

Some of these original houses are no longer there. For example, Nos. 40, 42, and 44 were taken down around 1922. The empty land was later used for one of the entrances to the Holland Tunnel. This tunnel is 60-foot (18 m) wide. In 1926, No. 28 was also demolished. A new building with large open spaces, called lofts, was built there.

What Makes Them Special?

House No. 32 has a unique past. After 1878, it was used as a rectory. A rectory is a home for a priest, in this case, for the Church of Our Lady of Vilnius. Today, No. 32 is one of the most original houses left. It still has many of its first design features.

Nos. 34 and 36 had some changes made around 1866. An extra story was added to them. They also got an Italianate style cornice. A cornice is a decorative molding at the top of a wall or building. This kind of change was very common back then. All three buildings were built using a special brick pattern. It is called the Flemish bond brick pattern.

Becoming Landmarks

On March 27, 2012, these three houses became official landmarks. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission gave them this special title. This means they are protected because they are important to history. Houses built in the Federal style are very rare in New York City.

There was a fourth house, 38 Dominick Street. It was also considered for landmark status. However, it had been changed too much from its original style. So, the commission decided not to make it a landmark.