Van Tassell and Kearney Horse Auction Mart facts for kids
|
Van Tassell and Kearney Horse Auction Mart
|
|
 |
|
| Location | 126-128 East 13th Street, New York, New York |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Jardine, Kent & Jardine |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 07001233 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | November 29, 2007 |
The Van Tassell and Kearney Horse Auction Mart is a historic building in the East Village area of Manhattan, New York City. It was built in 1903-1904. The building was designed by the architects Jardine, Kent & Jardine. It features a beautiful Beaux-Arts style.
This building was first used as a place to sell horses. It was a popular spot for wealthy families in New York. These families included the Vanderbilts and Delanos.
Contents
A Busy Horse Auction Mart
The Van Tassell & Kearney company held horse auctions here. These sales happened every Tuesday and Friday. People came to buy many types of horses.
What Horses Were Sold?
The auction mart was famous for selling special horses. These included high-priced ribbon winners. They also sold polo ponies and hunting horses. Thoroughbreds, known for racing, were also available. Sometimes, they sold horses for breeding. Coach horses, used for pulling carriages, were also sold. For example, a large group of horses owned by Alfred W. Vanderbilt was sold here.
Changes Over Time
After World War I, cars became very popular. People no longer needed horses as much. Because of this, the horse auction business stopped.
New Uses for the Building
The building found new purposes over the years. During World War II, it became a training center. Women learned assembly-line skills there. From 1978 to 2005, a famous artist named Frank Stella owned the building. He used it as his art studio. He also helped clean and restore the building's outside.
Saving a Historic Building
In 2006, the building was almost torn down. A new owner wanted to build condos there. The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP) stepped in. They asked the city to protect the building.
The Landmark Campaign
Many people supported saving the building. City Councilmember Rosie Mendez was one of them. GVSHP used a famous image to help their cause. It was the "We Can Do It!" image, like Rosie the Riveter. They put it on stickers and shirts. The slogan said, "We Can Save It! Landmark 128 East 13th Street."
The city held a public meeting. They stopped the demolition plans. On November 29, 2007, the building was listed. It became part of the State and National Register of Historic Places.
Becoming a City Landmark
GVSHP and others kept working to protect the building. After six years, they succeeded. In May 2012, the city voted. The former Van Tassell & Kearney Horse Auction Mart became a New York City designated landmark. This means it is officially protected.
The Building Today
In January 2010, the building opened again. It had been fully renovated. Today, it is home to the Peridance Capezio Center. This is a well-known dance school.
See also
In Spanish: Van Tassell and Kearney Horse Auction Mart para niños
