Surrogate's Courthouse

The Surrogate's Courthouse is a Beaux-Arts building on Chambers Street in Manhattan that serves as a court facility. Its exterior presents three tiers of Corinthian columns, ornate marble staircases flow through its interior spaces, and sculptural reliefs cover the granite walls.

Construction of the building took place from 1899 to 1907, replacing an earlier structure that occupied the same location in City Hall Park. The project emerged after significant debates about funding and design revisions.

The building houses the Municipal Archives in its basement, preserving essential documents that detail the development of New York City through centuries.

The fifth floor holds the New York Surrogate's Court, where legal proceedings concerning wills, estates, and guardianships occur on a regular basis. Entry to the building includes standard security screening.

The site functioned as a water reservoir for the Manhattan Company between 1799 and 1842 before becoming a courthouse. Prior to that period, the land was referred to as Pot Baker's Hill, reflecting its earlier use.

Location: Manhattan

Architects: John Rochester Thomas

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

GPS coordinates: 40.71361,-74.00444

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:49