William E. Dodge House facts for kids
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William E. Dodge House
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William E. Dodge House, June 2013
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 690 W. 247th St., Bronx, New York |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1863 |
| Architect | Renwick, James |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Tudor Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000934 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 28, 1977 |
The William E. Dodge House is a very old and special building in The Bronx, New York City. It is also known today as the Greyston Conference Center. This historic house is located in the Hudson Hill part of Riverdale.
It was built way back in 1863. A famous architect named James Renwick, Jr. designed it. The house looks like it came from a storybook, built in a style called Gothic Revival. It was first a summer home for a wealthy businessman, William E. Dodge, Jr. Later, it became a place for learning and meetings.
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The Story of the Dodge House
The William E. Dodge House has a long and interesting history. It started as a fancy summer getaway and changed over the years.
Who Was William E. Dodge Jr.?
The house was built for a man named William E. Dodge, Jr. (1832–1903). He was a very successful businessman. He made his money in the copper industry. In the 1800s, many rich New Yorkers built large homes outside the busy city. They wanted a peaceful place to relax in the summer.
A Look at the Architecture
The house was designed by James Renwick, Jr.. He was a well-known architect of his time. He also designed famous buildings like St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. The William E. Dodge House is a 2+1⁄2-story building. This means it has two full floors and a half-story, often in the attic.
What is Gothic Revival Style?
The house is built in the Gothic Revival style. This style became popular in the 1800s. It was inspired by the grand cathedrals and castles of the Middle Ages. You can often see pointed arches, steep roofs, and decorative details. These features make the William E. Dodge House look like a charming old castle.
From Summer Home to Conference Center
When it was first built in 1863, the Dodge House was a summer home. It was a place for the Dodge family to escape the city heat. In 1892, it was made bigger. It became a home where the family could live all year round.
Many years later, the house found a new purpose. On May 27, 1963, it was officially opened as the Greyston Conference Center. This center is part of Teachers College, Columbia University. It is now used for meetings, workshops, and educational events.
A Special Landmark
The William E. Dodge House is important for its history and architecture. Because of this, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The National Register is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the building for future generations. It is also a New York City Landmark.
