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Clocktower Building

A Gilded Age masterpiece by McKim, Mead & White, this landmarked building once housed the city's largest mechanical clock and a legendary alternative art gallery.

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Clocktower Building
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What is the Clocktower Building known for?

The building was notable for housing the city's largest mechanical clock, which featured a hammer that struck a 5,000-pound bronze bell every hour.

What is the history of the Clocktower Building?

Constructed between 1894 and 1898 for the New York Life Insurance Company, the building was designed by Stephen Decatur Hatch and completed by McKim, Mead & White. It later hosted the Clock Tower Gallery, an influential alternative art space founded in 1972, and is now a residential structure in Tribeca known as 108 Leonard.

Is the Clocktower Building a landmark?

Yes, it is a designated New York City landmark (with both the exterior and much of the interior protected) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Where is the Clocktower Building located?

The building is located at 346 Broadway (now known as 108 Leonard) in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Clock Tower Building, now known as 108 Leonard, is a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan. Constructed between 1894 and 1898 for the New York Life Insurance Company, the structure was designed by the renowned architectural team of McKim, Mead & White, with original plans by Stephen Decatur Hatch. It is now a residential structure, though it retains its historic status as a designated New York City landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the most notable features of the building was its massive mechanical clock, which was the largest in the city at the time of its opening in 1898. This clock featured over a dozen gears ranging from half an inch to two feet in diameter, which powered a hammer that struck a 5,000-pound bronze bell every hour. For decades, the building served as a hub for the avant-garde. In 1972, Alanna Heiss founded the Clock Tower Gallery on the top floor, creating one of New York's oldest alternative art projects. This influential space presented works by high-profile artists such as Laurie Anderson, Max Neuhaus, and Gordon Matta-Clark, operating for over 40 years before its final exhibition in December 2013. Throughout its history, the building has faced various preservation battles. In 2015, developers proposed electrifying the 19th-century clock and converting the tower into a triplex penthouse. However, after a two-year legal battle, a court ruled in favor of preservationists in 2020, ensuring the historic interior landmark remains protected.

Visitor tips

  • Look up at the clock tower to appreciate the scale of the Gilded Age design.
  • Since the building is now residential, stay on the public sidewalk to respect the residents' privacy.
  • Check local art galleries in Tribeca to get a sense of the neighborhood's artistic heritage.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of Tribeca, the Clock Tower Building stands as a historic anchor among the modern residential conversions of the neighborhood's former industrial warehouses.

Sources

Evidence and links