The Technical Sophistication of the Park Row Building, New York City

Beyhan Karahan
Principal
Beyhan Karahan & Associates Architects, New York City

The Park Row building was completed in 1899, and 100 years later, it was designated a New York City Landmark. It deserves to be recognized for the technological innovations around its steel structure, its 10 Sprague elevators, its uniquely economical floor plans, and its use of natural ventilation and daylight. In addition, the sophistication of its architecture, with respect to contextual understanding of the 19th-century historic texture in Lower Manhattan, is of note. Architect Robert H. Robinson’s compositional techniques, using the proportional analysis of its context, reflect the highest level of architectural education and sophistication at the time.

Technical inventions, elevator technology, unique floor plans, the historic and formal context of lower Manhattan at the time of its construction, compositional experimentation and daylight and fresh air considerations are discussed, with extensive archival and current photographs and diagrams prepared by the author, with the kind assistance of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.