AGENCY TESTIMONY
Details and historical context of the Jacob Day residence
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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 to Jacob Day's ownership from 1857 to 1884 and its connection to New York City's pre-Civil War and Reconstruction era African American history.
- Located between 5th and 6th Avenues, just north of the Greenwich Village Historic District
- Built for William B. Fash in 1845
- Owned by Jacob Day's heirs until 1896
Margaret Herman
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The former Jacob Day residence at 50 West 13th Street is a rare surviving 3 story Greek Revival style brick row house built in 18/45 for William b Fash.
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Jacob Day, a prominent African American caterer and property owner, purchased the house in 18/57 and used it as his residence and place of business until his death in 18/84.
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His heirs continued to own the building until 18/96.
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Day was an advocate for the abolition of slavery prior to the Civil War and later for voting rights and economic opportunities for African Americans in the second half of the 19th century.
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The Jacob Day residence is a rare extant site that is historically and culturally significant, in particular for its connection to New York City's pre civil war and Reconstruction era African American history.
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At the public hearing on September 10, 2024, 11 people spoke in favor of designation, including representatives from the New York City Landmarks Conservancy, the Historic Districts Council, the Victorian Society of New York, Village Preservation, and Save Harlem Now, and 4 individuals.
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No one spoke in opposition.
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The commission received written testimony in favor of designation from council member Rivera and from a petition containing 105 campaign letters.
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The building is located on West 13th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, just north of the Greenwich Village Historic District.
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The landmark site is the tax lot.
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