Cary Building

This five-story building in Tribeca features two identical cast-iron facades with deeply recessed arched windows framed by Corinthian pillars running along Chambers Street and Reade Street. The ornamental ironwork demonstrates the craftsmanship and precision of 19th-century industrial manufacturing.

Constructed in 1857 as the headquarters for Cary, Howard & Sanger, a department store selling imported and domestic goods including jewelry, perfumes, and musical instruments, this building reflects the commercial prosperity of the era. Later decades brought changing uses as the retail landscape evolved.

The building stands as an example of early cast-iron architecture in New York City, with its facades manufactured by Daniel Badger's Architectural Iron Works company.

The building now contains commercial spaces on lower floors and residential apartments above, following major renovations completed in the early 2000s. You can view the impressive facade from the street and examine the architectural details from different angles around the corner.

Rolling iron shutters designed by Daniel Badger originally protected the building at night while preserving its elegant architectural appearance during the day. This innovative security system allowed the department store to operate safely without compromising the visual appeal of the cast-iron facade.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1857

Architects: Gamaliel King, John Kellum, Daniel D. Badger

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Floors above the ground: 5

Address: 105-107 Chambers Street

GPS coordinates: 40.71528,-74.00833

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:28