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The Brown Building

A landmarked Renaissance Revival building on the NYU campus, forever linked to the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, one of the deadliest industrial disasters in United States history.

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The Brown Building
www.nyu.edu, og_image_www.nyu.edu

Where is The Brown Building located?

The Brown Building is located at 23–29 Washington Place, between Greene Street and Washington Square East, on the NYU campus in Greenwich Village, Manhattan.

What is The Brown Building known for?

The building is strongly associated with the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history. Three plaques on the southeast corner of the building commemorate the victims of the fire.

What is the history and architecture of the building?

Built in 1901 as the Asch Building, it is a ten-story steel-framed Renaissance Revival office building designed by Neuburger & Aronson. It is designated as both a New York City landmark and a National Historic Landmark.

How can I find out about tours or visitor access?

Visitors should check NYU's Visitor Information and Tours page or contact the Office of Visitor Services for the most up-to-date information on tours, events, and access.

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 Brown Building, located at 23–29 Washington Place in Greenwich Village, stands as a solemn reminder of New York City's industrial past. Originally constructed in 1901 as the Asch Building, this ten-story steel-framed structure was designed by the architectural firm Neuburger & Aronson in the Renaissance Revival style. Today, it remains a central part of the New York University campus, situated between Greene Street and Washington Square East. The site is most recognized for its association with the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which occurred on Saturday, March 25, 1911. The factory occupied the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors of the building. This tragedy is regarded as one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history, leading to significant changes in labor laws and factory safety standards. Because of its profound historical weight, the building has been designated as both a New York City landmark and a National Historic Landmark. It is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places under its original name, the Asch Building. These designations protect the architectural integrity of the structure while honoring the events that took place within its walls. Visitors to the building can find a poignant memorial on the southeast corner. Three plaques are installed there to commemorate the men and women who lost their lives during the 1911 fire, providing a quiet space for reflection amidst the bustle of the university campus.

Visitor tips

  • Locate the three memorial plaques on the southeast corner of the building to honor the fire victims.
  • Check the NYU Visitor Information and Tours page for the most current access and event details.
  • Allow extra time to explore the surrounding Washington Square East area since the building is integrated into the active campus.

Nearby context

The Brown Building is a cornerstone of the New York University campus in Greenwich Village, located just steps away from Washington Square Park.

Sources

Evidence and links