McCarthy Building (Troy, New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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McCarthy Building
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Front (east) elevation, 2008
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| Location | Troy, NY |
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| Built | 1904 |
| Architect | Charles Boland |
| Part of | Central Troy Historic District (ID86001527) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000430 |
| Added to NRHP | 1970 |
The McCarthy Building is a cool old building in Troy, New York. You can find it on River Street, right near Monument Square. It was built way back in 1904 by a man named Peter McCarthy. He was the head of the Troy Waste Manufacturing Co.
Today, the McCarthy Building is still used for businesses and homes. It's so special that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This means it's an important historical place! Since 1986, it has also been part of the Central Troy Historic District, which is a whole area of historic buildings.
Contents
What Makes the McCarthy Building Special?
The McCarthy Building is five stories tall. It has a unique front (east side) that faces the street. This front is made of a special material called terra cotta, which is a type of baked clay. It also has cool details made from iron and glass.
Unique Design Features
One of the most interesting parts of the building is a big, arched window. This window covers the bottom two floors. It looks a bit like a stage arch, which is called a proscenium arch. This design makes the building stand out!
A Look Back: The Building's History
The McCarthy Building was built in 1904. This was a busy time for construction in downtown Troy. Many new buildings were going up!
Original Use and Grand Opening
When it first opened, the building was home to R.C. Reynolds, a store that sold things for your home. The grand opening was a huge event on September 16, 1904. Thousands of people came to see it! The local newspaper, the Troy Times, even wrote about it. They called it "one of the most attractive show buildings in the city."
Saved from Demolition
Later, in the 1960s, there were plans to tear down many old buildings in the city. The McCarthy Building was almost one of them! But people in Troy protested and fought to save it. Because it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was protected and saved from being demolished.
Modern Uses of the Building
In the 2000s, a media company called Light & Power Communications Ltd. moved into the building. More recently, in 2020, the McCarthy Building was changed into fancy apartments. So, it's still a lively part of Troy today!
