Four NYC Buildings with Secret Pasts

New York City is made of up thousands of buildings serving thousands of different purposes. But have you ever stopped to wonder if any of those buildings weren’t exactly what it seem? We bet you didn’t know that NYC is home to some buildings with secrets pasts. Take a look at these four to see which structures are hiding some history.

Plymouth Church

During the abolition movement, one of the pastors of this church, Henry Ward Beecher, was an anti-slavery activist whose congregation aligned with the cause. Upon looking at the church’s records, it’s apparent that the building served as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. The tunnels, which were allegedly used to hide and transport those escaping slavery, are shown on tours of the church today.

Rockefeller Center

During World War II, three floors of Rockefeller Center became the base for a covert ops organization called “British Security Coordination”. Run by a huge secret agency, the operation meant to change the minds of Americans, to make them see joining the war in Europe as a good idea. Through black propaganda and manipulation, it aimed to keep Roosevelt safe from congress condemnation and poor approval at the polls during election season.

Grand Central Terminal

Like Rockefeller Center, a section of GCT has been kept a secret up until recent decades. The M42 power station under the terminal was kept under heavy guard before and after Nazi spies put a failed plan into place to destroy the sub-station during World War II. The reason it is so heavily protected is because it is a major powering hub for Grand Central Terminal and several surrounding buildings.

New York Public Library

To some bookworms, living in a library may sound like a dream. Some number of decades ago, it was a reality when Andrew Carnegie donated $5.2 million to build The Carnegie Libraries, a set of city-wide library branches with attached apartments. The occupants of these apartments were tasked with keeping the coal furnaces lit and the libraries warm. Today, only 13 (mostly deteriorated) apartments are left.

So as you wander around NYC, remind yourself that you may be walking past an old World War II hub or a building with some serious historical secrets. To keep up with more Manhattan building news, connect with AMAA on Facebook and Twitter!

We are your source for special inspection and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 30 years of experience, Alan Margolin & Associates is known for both its high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 for more information.

7 of NYC's Oldest Homes That You Can Buy Today

Some of Manhattan’s most beautiful townhouses are also some of the oldest. With some of these structures dating back 400 years, you’d be surprised to find that they don’t look as “antique” as you would assume. Thanks to upkeep and modern renovation, these homes now have a sense of modernity while still keeping some of the original fixtures and charm. Throughout the years, these townhouses have been home to Hollywood celebrities, politicians, famous authors, and old-school socialites. If you have any interest in adding your name to the residents list, get excited, because you can now purchase some of the oldest New York City homes .

• 2 Center Market Place: The oldest of the list, this four-bedroom townhouse was built in 1800 and was formerly the home of design duo Bob & Cortney Novogratz. With an asking price of $7.995 million, it offers features like overhead skylights and a recording studio.
• 27 Vandam Street: Recently renovated by Matthew Baird Architects, this five-bedroom, four-bathroom home was originally built in 1823 and has an asking price of $15.95 million. Its impeccable details include six wood-burning fireplaces and a Japanese soaking tub/jacuzzi in the master bedroom’s private terrace.
• 121 Washington Place: This 5,000-square-foot home was originally built in 1931 and is currently asking $16.8 million.This place has definitely seen its fair share of fame with its residents list including names like Mark Twain, Willia Cather, and Muhammad Ali.
• 230 West 10th Street: Talk about a face lift. This $14.5 million carriage home built in 1834 shows no sign of its age. With its ultra-modern appearance, most of the original 19th century design is gone, leaving a 6,7000 square feet space with five bedrooms and rooftop terrace.

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  440 West 22nd Street (Source: NY Curbed )

  70 Cranberry Street: This 1852 townhouse has its renovation focused more on restoring it original details. With a $5.95 million asking price, the home offers amenities like two black-marble fireplaces and ceiling-to-floor windows.
• 440 West 22nd Street: Built around 1835, this 25-foot-wide house still has many of its original details such as a grand parlor and seven separate fireplaces. Asking for $8.8 million, the seven-bedroom, four-bathroom residence is currently set up as a three-family house with one duplex and two large apartments on the upper floors.
• 131 Charles Street: This four-story Federal-style townhouse comes with a separate two-story carriage house for $12.5 million. The early 19th-century, four-bedroom home has many of its original details, as does the carriage house with its own beamed sealing and natural lighting.

The reason each of these homes are able to survive for centuries is proper maintenance and inspection. When it comes to renovations and building, AMAA is your source for all special inspection needs in NYC.

AMAA is a leader in providing engineering and architectural services in the New York City construction industry. For over thirty years, our team of professional engineers, architects, certified inspection technicians, and top-tier administrators has provided our clients with a full range of New York City’s Special Inspection services. For more information, call 212-867-6720.