David S. Brown Store facts for kids
|
David S. Brown Store
(No. 8 Thomas Street Building) |
|
(2012)
|
|
| Location | 8 Thomas Street, Manhattan, New York |
|---|---|
| Built | 1875-76 |
| Architect | J. Morgan Slade |
| Architectural style | Victorian Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002705 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | April 30, 1980 |
The David S. Brown Store is a historic building in Manhattan, New York City. It stands at 8 Thomas Street, between Broadway and Church Street, in the TriBeCa neighborhood. This unique building was constructed in 1875-76 for a company that made soap.
The building was designed by an architect named J. Morgan Slade. He used a style called Victorian Gothic. This style was influenced by the ideas of John Ruskin, a famous English writer, and by French architectural theories. People have described the building as "An elaborate confection of Romanesque, Venetian Gothic, brick, sandstone, granite, and cast-iron parts..." This means it has many different beautiful details and materials.
The David S. Brown Store is important because of its special design and history. It was named a New York City landmark in 1978. Two years later, in 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. These titles mean the building is protected and recognized for its historical and architectural value.
Contents
A Look at the Building's Design
The David S. Brown Store is a great example of Victorian Gothic architecture. This style was popular in the 1800s. It brought back ideas from medieval Gothic buildings, but with a Victorian twist.
Victorian Gothic Style Explained
Victorian Gothic buildings often feature pointed arches and decorative details. They might also have towers or tall, narrow windows. This style was about creating buildings that looked grand and impressive.
Influences on the Design
J. Morgan Slade's design for the David S. Brown Store was inspired by a few key ideas.
- John Ruskin's Ideas: Ruskin believed that buildings should be honest about their materials. He also thought they should show the skill of the people who built them.
- French Architectural Theory: French ideas at the time focused on how buildings were put together. They looked at the structure and how different parts worked together.
These influences helped Slade create a building that stands out. It mixes different styles and materials in a very artistic way.
Why This Building is a Landmark
The David S. Brown Store is more than just an old building. It's a protected landmark. This means it's recognized as an important part of New York City's history and culture.
New York City Landmark Status
Being a New York City landmark means the building's special features are preserved. Changes to the outside of the building need approval. This helps keep its historic look for future generations.
National Register of Historic Places
When a building is added to the National Register of Historic Places, it gets national recognition. This list includes places across the United States that are important to history. It helps protect these sites and encourages people to learn about them.
Images for kids
-
A friendly robot
