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Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning facts for kids
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Office of the Register
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Eastbound sidewalk in front of the former Queens Office of the Register, now the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning
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 Location in New York City
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| Location | 161-04 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11432, USA |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1904 |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Neo-Italian Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002754 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | January 3, 1980 |
The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) is a special place in Jamaica, Queens, New York. It's an arts center where people can enjoy and learn about performing arts (like music and theater) and visual arts (like painting and sculpture). JCAL started in 1972 to help make the local business area lively again.
As of 2012, JCAL helped over 28,000 people each year. It has a large art gallery, a theater with 99 seats, and studios for art and music. The building itself is very old and important. It used to be the Queens Register of Titles and Deeds Building. It is recognized as a New York City landmark and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Right outside the building, you can see one of only two old cast-iron sidewalk clocks left in New York City. Next door is the historic building of the Jamaica Savings Bank.
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The Historic JCAL Building
The building that houses the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning is officially called the Office of the Register. It is also known as the Queens Register of Titles and Deeds Building. This historic government building is located in the Jamaica area of the New York City borough of Queens.
Building History and Design
The main part of the building was constructed between 1895 and 1913. It is a grand, three-story building. Its outside walls are made of limestone and designed in the Neo-Italian Renaissance style. This style was popular for its classic, elegant look, inspired by old Italian buildings. A five-story addition was built at the back of the building in 1938.
The first floor of the building has a special design called "rustication." This means the stone blocks are cut to have rough, textured surfaces, making the building look strong and solid. Above the first floor, the stone surface is smooth, called "ashlar." This creates a nice contrast in the building's appearance.
From Government Office to Arts Center
The building was home to the Office of the Register until 1974. The Office of the Register was where important documents like property deeds and titles were officially recorded. After 1974, the building found a new purpose and became the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL).
Because of its historical importance and beautiful architecture, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This listing helps protect and preserve important places across the United States.
Other Nearby Landmarks
- The First Reformed Church is another important building nearby. It now serves as the Jamaica Performing Arts Center.
- You can find more information about important places in Queens by looking at the List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Queens.
- For other historic sites in the area, you can check the National Register of Historic Places listings in Queens County, New York.
Images for kids
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The Jamaica Performing Arts Center is located in the First Reformed Church.
External Links
- Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) website
- Jamaica Performing Arts (JPAC) website