Mott Haven Historic District

This historic district derives its name from Jordan L. Mott, the first major industrialist to locate in The Bronx. In 1828, he established an ironworks on the Harlem River at East 134th Street and called the surrounding area, which included his residence, Mott Haven.

The district consists of an interesting cross-section of residential houses, row houses, and civic buildings, in a variety of styles that are representative of some of the best architectural work of the late nineteenth century. The main focal point of the district is Alexander Avenue. Once known as "The Irish Fifth Avenue" as well as “Politicians' Row," the airy thoroughfare stands as the heart of the district, showcasing several key architectural structures.

On the east side near East 138th Street stands St. Jerome's Roman Catholic Church, built in 1898 by Dehli & Howard in the Italian Renaissance style; next to it stands a French neo-Grec rectory and Victorian Gothic school. The Tercera Iglesia Bautista church terminates the northern end of the district at East 141st Street. Designed by Ward & Davis, this stark, symmetrical structure was considered extremely modern at the time of its construction in 1900-1902. The Mott Haven Branch of the New York Public Library, opened in 1905, and the 40th Precinct Police Station, constructed in 1922-1924, frame Alexander Avenue on its west side and effectively balance the two ecclesiastical buildings. ©2014