Tribeca East Historic District

During the early 19th century, as New York City established itself as the preeminent port and trading center of the United States, a dry goods commercial district was established on Pearl Street near the East River. After the fire of 1835, which wiped out the majority of this established mercantile district, the surviving businesses scattered to areas around and north of Pearl Street. In the 1850s, seeking to reestablish their businesses in one central location, close to Manhattan's westside waterfront, dry goods merchants settled into what is now the Tribeca East Historic District.

One of the most influential buildings that help set the trend for commercial architecture in the district was the A.T. Stewart Store. Established by Alexander Turney Stewart and constructed from 1845-46, this marble-faced building was considered the first American department store. Designed in the Italianate style by Joseph Trench and John B. Snook, it differed from other commercial buildings due to its size, its elegant design, and its use of costly materials. This building attracted similar businesses to the area who established themselves north and west of the store, transforming the district into the dry-goods center of the city.

An extensive building campaign of store-and-loft buildings began in the 1850s, with many of the structures built in the Italianate style of the A.T. Steward Store. In contrast to earlier stone post-and-lintel storefronts, these new cast-iron and glass storefronts provided better illumination to the principal selling space, and enhanced display of merchandise. By the late nineteenth century, the construction of store-and-loft buildings was on the decline as tall office buildings, equipped with elevators, began to be constructed in the area. ©2014