New York City, New York / History
Harrison Street Row Houses
A stunning collection of nine Federal-style red-brick townhouses in TriBeCa, featuring historic architecture by John McComb Jr. and a fascinating story of 1970s urban preservation.
What are the Harrison Street Row Houses?
The Harrison Street Row Houses are a group of nine Federal-style, red-brick townhouses located at the intersection of Harrison Street and Greenwich Street in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood.
What is the architectural style of the row houses?
The houses are built in the Federal style, featuring red brick, peaked roofs and signature dormer windows.
Were all the houses original to this location?
No, only six of the nine houses are original to the corner of Harrison and Greenwich Street. Three houses were moved by truck from Washington Street in the 1970s to save them from demolition.
Who designed some of the houses?
Houses numbers 25, 37, 39, and 41 were built by John McComb Jr., who was also the architect of New York City Hall.
When were the Harrison Street Row Houses built?
The houses were built between 1790 and 1820, with some sources specifically dating individual houses like 31 Harrison Street to 1827 and 37 Harrison Street to 1828.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
Located at the southwest corner of Harrison and Greenwich Streets, these nine Federal-style townhouses represent a rare surviving enclave of early 19th-century Manhattan. Built primarily between 1790 and 1820, the row is characterized by its signature red-brick facades, peaked roofs, and dormer windows. Several of these homes, specifically numbers 25, 37, 39, and 41, were designed by John McComb Jr., the renowned architect who also designed New York City Hall. The row is a testament to New York's commitment to historic preservation. While six of the houses are original to this Belgian block corner, three were relocated here in 1975. These three structures were originally located on Washington Street and were jacked up and towed by truck to Harrison Street to prevent their demolition when the local Washington Market was moved to the Bronx. Individual homes within the row showcase a mix of history and modern luxury. For instance, 37 Harrison Street dates back to 1828 and is a designated landmark, while 31 Harrison Street is noted as a jewel of TriBeCa dating to 1827. Other properties, such as 27 Harrison Street, have undergone meticulous restoration by Dean/Wolf Architects to return them to their residential origins after a period of commercial use during the Washington Market era.
Visitor tips
- Look closely at the brickwork and dormer windows to appreciate the Federal-style details.
- Visit during the morning for softer light on the red-brick facades, ideal for photography.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the area features traditional Belgian block paving.
Nearby context
These row houses are a quiet, historic anchor in the TriBeCa neighborhood, providing a stark architectural contrast to the modern loft conversions and high-rises that define the surrounding area.
Sources
Evidence and links
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37 Harrison Street House (William B. Nichols House)
THE LANDMARKED RESIDENCE AT 27A HARRISON. STREET HAS DELINEATED ITS PRIVATELY OWNED BACKYARD SPACE WITH A. GREENSCREEN FENCE AND WOOD GATES…
nyc.gov -
Harrison Street Row Houses - New York
In the southwest corner of the intersection of this street and Greenwich St., there is a group of nine townhouses built in federal style in…
a-newyork.com -
25 41 Harrison Street - Tribeca - StreetEasy
27 Harrison is the largest historic townhouse on Harrison Street in TriBeCa.
streeteasy.com -
31 Harrison Street TriBeCa - Compass Real Estate
31 Harrison Street is a townhouse not currently listed. This is a 5-bed, 4-bath property and last sold on 2021-11-10 for $5150000.
compass.com -
37 Harrison St, New York, NY 10013 | Zillow
Originally built in 1828, 37 Harrison Street, a landmarked Federal-style townhouse, has lived many lives.
zillow.com -
Harrison Street Houses - by Kevin Walsh
After the Landmarks designation in the early 1970s the three, 331, 329, 327 Washington, were jacked up and towed by truck to their present…
walshk.substack.com