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ID: 21
Name: 63 Nassau Street
Address: 63 Nassau Street, between Maiden Lane and John Street
Block and Lot: Block: 65 Lot: 2
Neighborhood: Lower Manhattan
Date: c. 1857-59
Architect:
Original Use: Commercial
Original Owner: probably Julien Gauton
Foundry: unknown
Style: Italianate
Other Information: One of an important group of "sperm candle" style buildings, including 85 Leonard Street and 55 White Street, with two- and three-story arcades supported by thin candles that resemble those made from sperm whale oil. This building is a remodeling of a c. 1844 structure, occupied by Thomas Thomas, kitchen tinware manufacturer (on this site since 1827), and constructed by his son Augustus Thomas. Upper arcade rests on bases once adorned with busts of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin (the Franklin plaques are extant); upper stories appear to be vacant.
Sources: Gayle, 2-3; Gayle, Cast-Iron Architecture in America: The Significance of James Bogardus, 204-205; Landmarks Preservation Commission designation report for 63 Nassau Street, 2007.
Status Update: Designated 2007 (click to see designation report)
 
NY Metro Victorian Society of America