New York City Council
Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings and Dispositions
Jan 15, 2025
·
11:00 AM
19 min
Summary
A hearing on the proposed landmark designation of the Jacob Day residence at 50 West 13th Street in Manhattan.
Discussions focused on:
- The building's historical significance as a rare surviving Greek Revival style row house from 1845
- Its connection to prominent African American businessman and civil rights advocate Jacob Day
- Its later role as a cultural hub housing the 13th Street Repertory Company theater
Features testimony from the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Hanks opens the Subcommittee meeting and explains procedures
Council Member Kamillah Hanks opens the meeting of the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions, welcoming attendees and explaining the procedures for the hybrid meeting format. She introduces the …
0:00:25
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138 sec
Council Member Carlina Rivera supports Jacob Day residence landmark designation
Council Member Carlina Rivera delivers remarks in support of designating the Jacob Day residence at 50 West 13th Street as a historic landmark. She highlights the building's significance in civil …
0:02:44
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104 sec
Introduction and overview of the Jacob Day residence designation
Margaret Herman, deputy director of research at the Landmark Preservation Commission, introduces the recent designation of the Jacob Day residence at 50 West 13th Street in Manhattan. She provides an …
0:05:41
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15 sec
Details and historical context of the Jacob Day residence
The Jacob Day residence at 50 West 13th Street is described as a rare surviving 3-story Greek Revival style brick row house built in 1845. Its historical significance is tied …
0:06:00
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77 sec
Jacob Day's biography and significance as an African American leader
Jacob Day was a prominent African American caterer, property owner, and advocate for abolition and civil rights in 19th century New York City. He was a successful businessman during a …
0:07:19
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58 sec
Manhattan's pre-Civil War Abolitionist Movement sites
There are very few surviving sites in Manhattan associated with the pre-Civil War Abolitionist Movement. The Jacob Day residence is one of the rare examples, along with other LPC designations …
0:08:19
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27 sec
Historical context of Greenwich Village's African American community
In the mid-19th century, Greenwich Village became home to many black residents, businesses, schools, churches, and benevolent societies, despite significant discrimination and harsh living conditions. This area played a crucial …
0:08:48
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20 sec
Notable residents and tenants of 50 West 13th Street
The Jacob Day residence housed several notable individuals, including African American educators and activists. Jacob Day rented additional rooms to other African Americans, contributing to the building's significance in the …
0:09:10
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37 sec
20th-century use as a theater and cultural space
In the mid-20th century, 50 West 13th Street was transformed into a multi-use building, including a theater in the basement. It became an important venue for off-off-Broadway productions and housed …
0:09:48
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35 sec
Architectural features and preservation of the Jacob Day residence
The Jacob Day residence is a rare surviving example of a 19th-century Greek Revival style building in New York City. It has maintained much of its original character and features …
0:10:23
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17 sec
Conclusion: The historical significance of the Jacob Day residence
The Jacob Day residence at 50 West 13th Street is extraordinarily significant for its association with pre- and post-Civil War black history in New York City. Its importance spans multiple …
0:10:40
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18 sec
Testimony by Michael Quinn, Former Resident of 50 West 13th Street
Michael Quinn, a former resident of 50 West 13th Street, provides personal testimony in support of landmarking the building known as both the Jacob Day residence and the 13th Street …
0:12:20
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160 sec
Council Member Hanks appreciates personal stories and LPC's work
Council Member Kamillah Hanks expresses gratitude for Michael Quinn's personal story about 50 West 13th Street and emphasizes the importance of such testimonies. She also thanks the Landmarks Preservation Commission …
0:15:00
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22 sec
Testimony by Andrew Berman, Executive Director of Village Preservation, on Jacob Day Residence Landmark Designation
Andrew Berman, Executive Director of Village Preservation, testifies in support of the landmark designation for 50 West 13th Street (Jacob Day residence). He criticizes the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the …
0:16:07
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3 min