The Oldest Buildings in NYC
Go Back To Previous PageAre you planning a trip to New York City? While the city is known for its modern architecture, did you know it’s also home to some of the oldest buildings in the country? From government buildings and museums to farmhouses and skyscrapers. These architectural wonders offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Join us on a journey through time as we explore some of the oldest buildings in NYC and learn about the people and eve
nts that shaped this iconic city.
Every famous iconic building in NYC has a story, right? Did you ever wonder what the oldest buildings in New York City are? We did, so we decided to find out for you.
NYC Government Buildings
One of the oldest government buildings in the city is the City Hall, built-in 1811. The building is still in use today, serving as the seat of the New York City government. Another iconic government building is the Tweed Courthouse, completed in 1881. And the building is now home to the New York City Department of Education.
Museums in NYC
The city is home to some of the oldest museums in the country, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, established in 1870. The American Museum of Natural History, founded in
1869, is another famous museum that showcases the city’s history and cultural heritage.
Planning an NYC Visit
If you’re planning a trip to NYC and want to explore its oldest buildings, there are several places you can visit. The Fraunces Tavern, built-in 1719, is one of the city’s oldest buildings It served as a meeting place for the Sons of Liberty during the American Revolution.
The Morris-Jumel Mansion, constructed in 1765, is the oldest house in Manhattan, and it has served as a museum since 1904.
The Oldest Building In Manhattan – St. Paul’s Chapel
Manhattan is where most of the city’s action lies and is considered the most historic. Unsurprisingly, there are some ancient buildings in this area. So far, the oldest building to still stand in the city is St. Paul’s Chapel.
Erected in 1764, this chapel predates the United States of America by over ten years. This historic church is a major tourist attraction thanks to George Washington’s pew, where he sat and prayed on the day of his inauguration.
Farmhouses in NYC
Believe it or not, NYC was once home to several farmhouses, some of which still stand today. The Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum, built in 1652, is the oldest surviving farmhouse in NYC. And it offers a glimpse into the city’s agricultural past.
Believe it or not, the oldest house in New York City isn’t in Manhattan. Instead, it’s in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Wyckoff House was erected in 1652—120-plus years before the American Revolution took place. Though the house has seen its additions through the years, the original structure remains after all these years.
If that isn’t NYC staying power, we don’t know what is. The house doesn’t act as a home anymore, but rather, a museum to show the humble roots Brooklyn once came from.
Another historic farmhouse in NYC is the Van Cortlandt House Museum, located in the Bronx. Built-in 1748, the house served as the residence of the influential Van Cortlandt family for generations. During the American Revolution, the house was a military headquarters for the British and Continental armies.
Oldest Apartment Building In NYC – 129 E 17th St
Would New York City remain the same without all the apartment buildings? Probably not, and the Stuyvesant Apartments are the ones that kicked off that reputation. They were the first apartment buildings for the middle class rather than lowly tenement houses.
Unfortunately, they were demolished, but the neighboring building wasn’t. 129 E 17th Street in Manhattan was erected in 1879, just as the Gilded Age ended, and they’ve been in use ever since.
Famous NYC Skyscrapers
The Flatiron Building, now known for its iconic architecture, was built in 1901 and is widely considered the oldest skyscraper in New York City. Surprisingly, the Flatiron Building wasn’t a hit when it was first erected, and people even petitioned to get rid of it!
While NYC’s oldest buildings include many historic structures, the city is famous for its skyscrapers. The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world, and it was the tallest building in the world until 1970. The Chrysler Building, completed in 1930, is another iconic skyscraper known for its Art Deco style.
Oldest Bar In NYC – Fraunces Tavern
Admittedly, this is a debatable subject. Manhattan’s Fraunces Tavern was initially erected in 1719, which makes it one of the oldest buildings in Manhattan. However, the tavern burned down earlier in the last century and got rebuilt. So, it’s not the original structure.
Although not original, city officials agreed to make it as close to a replica as possible. So, if you go there today, it’ll still look like it belongs to the Revolutionary War period. If you’re a real history fan, you might also want to stop by and enjoy their in-house museum.
Discover the Oldest Buildings in NYC: Architectural Wonders
Exploring the oldest buildings in NYC is a great way to gain insight into the city’s history and culture. If you’re planning to buy or rent a property in this iconic city, working with a reliable and experienced real estate company is essential.
NestApple is a reputable real estate company that can help you find your dream property in NYC. Contact NestApple today to learn more about their services and how they can assist you in your search for a home in the city that never sleeps.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
