Midtown, 30th Street Between Seventh and Sixth Avenues

Mary Sargent © 2008 ……………………………………. click to enlarge

I have a feeling a police station is on this block. Or rather, Traffic Control building. (And note unusual angle parking.)



Mary Sargent © 2008 ………. click to enlarge

Yes, here we have it.

This was built as the 23rd Police Precinct Station House in 1907-08. What a fantasy building! It is officially Medieval Revival Style – because the police commissioner wanted a building that looked like a police station.

If this building had been in any one of the lesser cities I lived in before moving here, it would have been highly visible and well known; after all, how many cities have a medieval castle in their midst? But here, it's on a lightly traveled side street and it's just one of the many amazing sights in Manhattan. Ho hum.

It is in what used to be called the Tenderloin, the most crime ridden area in New York City (and thus, the country) in the 19th century. If you're interested in New York City history, I recommend the report of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The architect, R. Thomas Short, was of the firm Harde & Short, which designed the Red Hovse on West 85th. We were there in January last year.




Mary Sargent © 2008 ………. click to enlarge

This is an automobile entrance. That's what it says.

See map.