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In the course of our daily reporting, we often uncover unusual projects, places, or connections that don't make the final cut. Instead of keeping it to ourselves, we're pleased to share our weekly Architrivia.
Born on March 14, 1800, in Catskill, New York, noted inventor and architect James Bogardus is best remembered as a pioneer in the field of cast-iorn construction. Much of his best work can be found in Lower Manhattan, where the Cast-Iron King of Tribeca's mark on the city can be easily appreciated to this day. Though he was based in New York City throughout the bulk of his career, Bogardus' earliest cast-iron creations were built in Washington D.C.
Located just outside of Tribeca in the Financial District, 63 Nassau Street stands today as one of the oldest examples of cast-iron architecture in the city. Built in 1844, with its cast-iron facade by Bogardus added between 1857 and 1859, 63 Nassau Street is one of just five remaining Bogardus-built structures remaining in the United States. It was designated as a New York City Landmark in 2007 as part of a larger effort to recognize and preserve the architect's impact on the built heritage of the city.
By far the largest extant Bogardus-attributed structure, 254-60 Canal Street fronts onto both Canal and Lafayette Streets. The five-storey cast-iron corner block was originally constructed between 1856 and 1857 for printing magnate and fellow inventor George Bruce. Featuring a moderate Italianate Style cast-iron facade, the restrained yet elegant exterior of the prominent corner block has survived relatively intact. The building was designated as a New York City Landmark in 1985, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
Located at 75 Murray Street in Tribeca, the Hopkins Store building remains as one of the finest examples of Bogardus' work. The cast-iron edifice was built between 1858 and 1858, and was once the home of Francis and John Hopkins' glassware studio and store. Long recognized for its architectural contribution to Tribeca's industrial history and urban character, the Hopkins Store was designated a New York City Landmark in 1968.
Last but not least, the Kitchen, Montross & Wilcox Store, located at 85 Leonard Street in Tribeca, stands today as another of Bogardus' best-preserved cast-iron edifices. The 1861-built five-story structure was originally the home of a Manhattan-based dry goods warehouse and store. The iron used in its creation was sourced directly from Bogardus' own ironworks, which adds to the historic nature of its 1974 designation as a New York City Landmark. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the well-preserved facade is a standout feature of the surrounding Tribeca Historic District.
Honoured today by the existence of James Bogardus Triangle at the confluence of Chambers, Hudson, and West Broadway in Tribeca, Bogardus' contribution to Lower Manhattan's architectural heritage is one that cannot be overstated.
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