United Charities Building facts for kids
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United Charities Building
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(2011)
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 Location in Manhattan
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 105 East 22nd St. (287 Park Ave. So.) Manhattan, New York City |
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| Built | 1893 with additions in 1897 and 1915 |
| Architect | Robert H. Robertson (original building) James Baker (additions) |
| Architectural style | Renaissance Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000661 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 28, 1985 |
| Designated NHL | July 17, 1991 |
The United Charities Building is a famous building in New York City. It is located at 105 East 22nd Street in the Gramercy Park area of Manhattan. A rich banker named John Stewart Kennedy had it built in 1893. He wanted it to be a home for the Charity Organization Society.
This building is very important because of the work done there. It helped create new ways to support people in need. Because of its history, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1991. This means it is a place of special historical value.
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Building a Home for Charities
The Charity Organization Society was a big group that brought many charities together. It was like a team of helpers. This group included many important families and churches. The United Charities Building gave these groups a place to work. They could rent offices at a very low cost.
John Stewart Kennedy also wanted to help other charities. He let them use space in the building too. Some of these groups included the Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor and the Children's Aid Society. The New York City Consumers' League also had its offices there. This league was started by Josephine Shaw Lowell in 1891.
Who Designed the Building?
R. H. Robertson was the main architect for the building. He had designed many charity buildings before. This made him a good choice for the job. His nephew, James Baker, also helped with the building.
The building was first seven stories tall. In 1897, three more stories were added. The original roof was also changed. Later, in 1915, a new four-story part was built next door.
The Building Today
Today, the United Charities Building is used for many things. Some charity groups, like the Community Service Society, are still there. But other parts of the building have changed.
The northern part of the main building is now apartments. It is called the Kennedy Building. The part on 22nd Street became the main office for a union in 1946. Later, in the 1980s, this part was sold and became offices for businesses.
The building is also home to The École French International School. This school is for students from different countries. A restaurant called Hawksmoor also has a location in the building.
Its Landmark Status
The United Charities Building was made a National Historic Landmark in 1991. It is also part of a plan to make the Gramercy Park Historic District bigger. Even though it is important, some people have called its design "bulky and boring."
The building is across the street from another old building. That building was built in 1892. It is the headquarters for the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies.
Images for kids
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(2011)
See also
