Sunset Park Courthouse

Sunset Park Courthouse is a three-story limestone building at 4201 4th Avenue with matching facades on both the 42nd and 43rd Street entrances, each featuring Ionic columns. The solid structure appears as a classical symbol of justice with its symmetrical and orderly design.

The building was constructed between 1930 and 1931 under the supervision of Deputy State Architect Mortimer Dickerson Metcalfe as a municipal courthouse. After 1962 its interior was adapted for other administrative purposes.

The neoclassical design reflects early 20th-century public building ideals in New York and shapes how the neighborhood looks today. People pass daily beneath the symmetrical columned entrances that convey the authority and order of the courts.

The building sits near several subway stations including 45th Street, 36th Street, and 53rd Street, making access straightforward. Since it now houses multiple agencies and Community Board 7, it remains easy to locate and approach.

Following a complete renovation by Helpern Architects in 1996, the building became the New York Police Department's main center for processing applicants. This transformation shows how courthouse buildings can adapt to new roles.

Inception: 1931

GPS coordinates: 40.65050,-74.00793

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40