Landmarks Preservation Commission June 28, 2016, Designation List 488 LP-2564 (FORMER) FIREHOUSE, ENGINE COMPANY 29, 160 Chambers Street, Manhattan Built c. 1832-33, architect not determined; altered 1868, Nathaniel D. Bush Landmark Site: Borough of Manhattan Tax Map Block 137, Lot 25 On February 11, 2014, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing on the proposed designation as a Landmark of the (Former) Firehouse, Engine Company 29 and the proposed designation of the related Landmark Site (Item No. 1).1 The hearing was duly advertised in accordance with the provisions of law. There were three speakers in favor of designation, including representatives of Tribeca Trust and Historic Districts Council. Summary The Former Firehouse, Engine Company 29 is one of the city’s earliest surviving police stations, and is an early and an important reminder of the development of Chambers Street and southern Tribeca. While the relatively narrow width of the building recalls its early residential character, the height and design of the facade signals the building’s later civic uses. The building at 160 Chambers Street has served a variety of private and public uses since the early 19th century. Located on the south side of Chambers Street between West Broadway and Greenwich Street, it was built as a three-story residence by Samuel Thomson, a noted builder, c. 1832-33. In 1836 David B. Ogden, a prominent lawyer, purchased the house and lived here until about 1848. The building attained its present appearance as the result of several alterations. New York City purchased the building in 1862 to serve as the 3rd Police Precinct Station House. It was raised to five stories, including a mansard roof, and altered in the Second Empire style, in 1868 for the 3rd Precinct by Nathaniel D. Bush, the official architect of the New York City Police Department. The 3rd Police Precinct Station House was located here until 1875; and then the building housed the House of Relief, a hospital under the charge of New York Hospital, from 1875 until 1894. In 1896 the building was further altered at the first story to house the New York City Fire Department’s Engine Company 29. Engine Company 29 occupied the building from 1897 to 1947. The City retained ownership until 1962, and from 1947 to 1962 the Uniformed Fire Officers Association occupied the building. It was converted to commercial use in 1967 and since the mid-1980s it has had commercial use at the ground story with residential units above. The building remains mostly intact since its 1868 and 1896 alterations.

BUILDING DESCRIPTION Description Five-story and penthouse, three-bay, stone-and-brick building. Front (north) Facade Historic: large center opening, window and transom at eastern bay, door and two transoms at western bay of first story; iron beam with circular designs, sign (“29 ENGINE 29”), and cornice with dentils above first story; continuous projecting band below second-story windows; projecting window lintels and pediments at second through fourth stories; bracketed sills at third and fourth stories; cornice with dentils and consoles above fourth story; five stories including a mansard roof with two dormers having paired arched windows; cap at western end of mansard. Alterations: facade painted; modern infill at window, door, transoms, and storefront at first story; roll-down gate, flagpole, bracket sign (“Nail & Spa”) with exposed conduit, light fixtures with exposed conduit, and signage (“Chambers 160 Beauty Spa”) with exposed conduit at storefront; one cleat for flagpole rope on either side of storefront opening return; plate with keyhole on eastern return of storefront opening; metal window grille at first-story window; light fixture and fixed awning (“160”) above door; intercom by door; siamese connection with two pipes, two signs (sprinklers), sprinkler alarm and signage at first story; tiles at step by door at first story; sash at second and third stories may be replaced;

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