Rent Retail 105 Chambers Street

History of 105 Chambers Street - The Cary Building

The Cary Building, located at 105-107 Chambers Street in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood, was constructed in 1856-1857. It was designed by the architectural firm King & Kellum—Gamaliel King and John Kellum—in the Italian Renaissance revival style, featuring a striking cast-iron facade created by Daniel D. Badger's Architectural Iron Work. Originally built as a commercial dry goods emporium for William H. Cary's firm, Cary, Howard & Sanger, the building showcases intricate cast-iron details that imitate stone blocks and carved pillars, with Corinthian columns separating deeply recessed, arched windows.

The Cary Building was a significant example of mid-19th century commercial architecture in New York, representing the rise of the Italianate "palazzo" style and the innovative use of cast iron in building facades. Daniel Badger, credited with pioneering iron use in construction, incorporated features such as rolling iron shutters that enhanced security without detracting from the building's ornate design.

Originally hosting a bustling dry goods store offering an extensive range of products from across three continents, the Cary Building stood as the largest structure on its block when completed. The business, founded by Isaac Cary in 1827 and continued by William Cary and later partners, flourished until the early 20th century, reflecting the commercial prominence of the Chambers Street area before retail activities shifted northward.

In the 1920s, the widening of Church Street exposed a long, plain brick wall on the east side of the building, which was originally an interior party wall. Despite changes in the surrounding neighborhood—where former retail spaces transitioned into lofts and warehouses—the Cary Building remained a notable architectural landmark, maintaining much of its original facade integrity.

Artist Knox Martin added a colorful 280-foot canopy wrapping around the building in 1973, blending practicality and art and enhancing the building's visual presence.

The building was designated a New York City Landmark in 1982 and added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1983, recognized as a masterpiece of cast iron design. While originally commercial, the Cary Building has since been converted to residential use, preserving its historic character and contributing to the architectural heritage of Lower Manhattan.

Cary Building

Primary Address: 105 Chambers Street, Manhattan, New York City, NY 10007

Alternate Addresses:

• 105-107 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007
• 150-170 Church Street, New York, NY 10007
• 89-91 Reade Street, New York, NY 10007

Neighborhood: Tribeca

Year Built: 1856-1857

Architectural Style: Italian Renaissance revival

Architects: Gamaliel King and John Kellum

Cast-Iron Facade: Provided by Daniel D. Badger's Architectural Iron Work

Building Type: Originally commercial, now residential condominium

Stories: 6

Total Building Area: Approximately 76,545 sq ft

Residential Units: 11

Commercial Spaces: 16

Notable Features: Landmarked boutique condominium with a stunning cast-iron façade, elegant interiors, 11-foot ceilings, original cast-iron columns, exposed brick walls, wide-plank hardwood floors, and smart home pre-wiring.
The building is complemented by a 24-hour virtual attended lobby system and is located near City Hall Park, The Oculus, Brookfield Place, and the Hudson River Greenway.

Landmark and Historic Status:

• Designated a New York City Landmark in 1982
• Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1983

Location Details: Extends along Church Street to Reade Street in Tribeca, Manhattan, NYC.

105 Chambers Street, Manhattan, NYC, offers convenient access to major transportation options:

• Subway: Chambers Street station is a short walk from the location. This station is served by multiple subway lines including the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, R, and W trains.
• Bus: Buses such as the 120, M20, M22, and QM11 stop nearby.
• PATH Train: The World Trade Center PATH station is approximately a 3-minute walk away.

Closest cross streets include West Broadway and Church Street.