Morse Building

The Morse Building occupies the corner of Nassau and Beekman Streets with Victorian Gothic details in polychrome brick and terracotta facing the street. Inside are 39 residential apartments, and it forms part of the Fulton-Nassau Historic District in Lower Manhattan.

The structure was completed in 1880 with ten stories and expanded to fourteen floors during a 1901 renovation. This growth reflects the rapid development happening in the Financial District during that era.

The building reflects how the Financial District evolved as newspaper offices gave way to residential apartments, yet the Victorian details remain visible today. Visitors walking past can see the original brickwork and terracotta ornaments that speak to this transformation.

The building sits on Nassau Street with good access to public transportation options that serve this area frequently. The architectural details are visible from the street, making it easy to view the exterior while walking through Lower Manhattan.

The building carries the name of descendants of Samuel F.B. Morse, inventor of the telegraph. It once housed the Vitagraph Company, one of the earliest motion picture producers in America, linking it to early cinema history.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1880s

Floors above the ground: 14

Part of: Fulton–Nassau Historic District

Address: 140 Nassau Street

GPS coordinates: 40.71125,-74.00617

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:48