Today, New York is a city of skyscrapers, with towering buildings of glass and steel being a common sight. But in the early 19th century, this wasn’t the case. High-rise buildings only began to appear in the city in the latter half of the century. One of the oldest surviving skyscrapers in New York is the Temple Court Building, located in Manhattan. Today, this once-tall structure is better known as The Beekman Hotel. Read more at new-york-future.
The History of the Temple Court Building
Before the Temple Court Building was erected on this piece of Manhattan land, it was home to a New York theater in the late 18th century. At the time, Manhattan was considered the heart of the city’s cultural and theatrical life. In the 19th century, a new and very different building was constructed on the site. Ultimately, this prime plot of land caught the eye of a famous and very wealthy merchant and banker, Eugene Kelly.
Kelly wanted to build a new ten-story office building called “Kelly’s House.” Construction was set to begin in 1881. But despite his grand plans and huge investment, the project was delayed. Work stopped almost immediately due to a stonemasons’ strike, and later, a fire broke out. The new high-rise was finally completed in 1883 and renamed “Temple Court.”
The Architectural Features of Temple Court
The Temple Court Building is a ten-story structure made of red brick and terracotta. It was one of the very first buildings in New York to use red brick and terracotta in its facade. Temple Court features a mix of distinct architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Renaissance, and Neo-Gothic. Its design was modeled after a similar building in London that also housed legal professionals.
Temple Court was one of the few fireproof buildings in Manhattan in the late 19th century. The building itself was constructed with iron beams and floors. It also had very thick walls. Despite all these fire-safety features, a fire still occurred in 1893, and the building sustained some damage. Today, the historic Temple Court is considered one of the oldest surviving high-rises in all of New York City.
The Beekman Hotel in the 21st Century
The ancient Temple Court Building kept its original appearance until the 21st century. The historic structure in the heart of Manhattan was abandoned in 2001. But it didn’t stay empty for long. Soon, a new renovation plan was proposed. While the building was being redeveloped, it was sold several times and even used as a location for a movie. In 2010, the most extensive and significant reconstruction of the building in its history was completed, and The Beekman Residences tower was built. The building officially reopened in 2016.
The renovated building now includes new spaces for restaurants, a hotel, a terrace, private dining rooms, media areas, and more. Even at the end of the 20th century, Temple Court was designated a U.S. historic landmark. While it was once one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan, it’s now dwarfed by the modern “concrete jungle” of New York. However, it still retains its unique architectural style, making it a true standout.