240 Centre Street, Beaux-Arts residential building in Little Italy, Manhattan, United States
This building is a large Beaux-Arts structure spanning one full city block, bounded by four streets, with limestone and granite facades throughout. The exterior displays rich architectural details including columns, arches, and carved stone ornaments at multiple levels.
Built in 1909 to serve as the main police headquarters, the structure remained the NYPD's central command until 1973. Following decades of police operations, it underwent conversion to residential apartments starting in 1988.
The ornate stonework and arched windows reflect design preferences from the early 1900s when European architectural styles shaped American civic buildings. These details remain visible on every side and reflect the tastes of that era.
The building sits between four streets in Manhattan and is easy to examine from the exterior on foot. Visitors can explore the entire outer perimeter and view architectural details from multiple vantage points.
Hidden inside are remnants of the former police operations, including old shooting ranges that were not completely removed during the conversion. These industrial traces beneath modern apartments create an unusual layering of histories.
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