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Edward Mooney House

Standing at 18 Bowery, this red brick gem is Manhattan's only surviving townhouse from the American Revolution period, blending Georgian and Early Federal architectural styles in the heart of Chinatown.

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Edward Mooney House
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What is the Edward Mooney House known for?

It is considered the oldest surviving row house in New York City and the only known townhouse surviving in Manhattan from the American Revolution period.

Where is it located?

The house is located at 18 Bowery, at the corner of Pell Street, in the Chinatown neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.

What is the architectural style of the building?

The brick house is built in a mixture of Georgian and Federal styles and is New York City's earliest remaining Early Federal style townhouse.

What has the building been used for over the years?

Over time, it has housed a variety of tenants including a tavern, store, hotel, pool parlor, restaurant, Chinese club, bank, and even a brothel.

When was the Edward Mooney House built?

The house was built between 1785 and 1789 for Edward Mooney, a wealthy butcher, on land previously owned by British Loyalist James De Lancey.

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 Edward Mooney House is a historic multi-story residence located at 18 Bowery, situated at the corner of Pell Street in Manhattan's Chinatown. Constructed between 1785 and 1789, the building was commissioned by Edward Mooney, a wealthy butcher. Mooney built the home on land he acquired after it was confiscated from James De Lancey, a British Loyalist, following the Revolutionary War. Architecturally, the house is a rare specimen, recognized as New York City's earliest remaining Early Federal style townhouse. Its design reflects strong Georgian antecedents in its proportions and construction, featuring a well-preserved red brick facade above the street-floor level. Because of its rarity, the building was designated a New York City landmark in 1966 and subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Throughout the centuries, the building has served an eclectic array of purposes. In the 1820s, it functioned as a tavern, and by the early 20th century, it had transitioned into a store and hotel. Its history includes stints as a pool parlor, a restaurant, and a Chinese club, and it currently operates as a bank. Beyond its official uses, the house has a colorful social history. In the early 1900s, it was known as Barney Flynn’s Saloon, which served as a notorious gathering spot for political hacks, gang members, and sporting men. This transition from a wealthy butcher's residence to a rough-and-tumble saloon highlights the shifting demographics of the Bowery neighborhood.

Visitor tips

  • Look closely at the red brick facade above the ground floor to see the original Early Federal proportions.
  • Visit during the day to better appreciate the contrast between this 18th-century structure and the modern Chinatown surroundings.
  • Allow a few minutes to walk around the corner of Pell Street to see the building's full footprint.

Nearby context

The house is located at the intersection of the Bowery and Pell Street. As the Bowery is New York City's oldest thoroughfare, this building serves as a physical anchor to the area's colonial past amidst the vibrant, modern energy of the Chinatown district.

Sources

Evidence and links