Situated in the Financial District, east of City Hall Park, its prominent location offered convenient access to key civic and business areas of the late 19th century. Constructed between 1881 and 1883, this ten-story structure stands as a testament to early skyscraper design and construction techniques.

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The story and structure of Temple Court Tower

Commissioned by the Irish-American banker Eugene Kelly, the Temple Court Building, initially known as the ‘Kelly Building,’ emerged during a period of recovery following the financial panic of 1873. Designed by the architectural firm of Silliman & Farnsworth, the building was intended primarily for office use, notably attracting many law firms, which contributed to its later name, ‘Temple Court,’ reminiscent of London’s legal district. 

An example beyond its time, the construction utilised advanced methods, including fireproof iron floor beams and a substantial facade of brick and terracotta over a granite base, reflecting a growing emphasis on fire safety in taller structures.

Decoding Temple Court’s distinctive features

Erected in 1881-1883, its facade was meticulously crafted from red Philadelphia brick, accented by the lighter hues of tan Dorchester stone and intricate terracotta detailing. Two prominent pyramidal towers grace its corners, adding to its distinctive silhouette, which rises from a robust two-story granite base providing a solid foundation for the visually rich upper levels.

Now famously part of The Beekman Hotel, the building remains a striking architectural landmark showcasing one of the most sophisticated blends of Queen Anne and Renaissance Revival styles in New York City.

Temple Court’s enduring footprint

The tower stands not only as the earliest surviving fireproof office building of its era but also as a rare example of a tall building constructed around such a grand, skylit interior space – preserving a unique aspect of 19th-century architectural innovation.

But by far, the interior’s most celebrated feature is the breathtaking full-height atrium soaring nine stories and capped by a large, pyramidal skylight adorned with decorative metalwork. This atrium serves as a dramatic central space, allowing natural light to flood the inner reaches of the building encircled by eight levels of galleries. Each gallery floor boasts intricate encaustic tiles, each bordered by ornate Victorian cast-iron railings. This architectural detail, along with the decorative panels supported by elaborate cast-iron brackets, exemplifies the ornate craftsmanship prevalent throughout the tower.