Charlton-King-Vandam Historic District

The Charlton-King-Vandam Historic District is a neighborhood of Federal and Greek Revival row houses located between Sixth Avenue and Varick Street. The buildings span from around 1820 to 1890 and represent different architectural phases of that era.

The neighborhood developed on the site of the Richmond Hill estate, where George Washington established his headquarters in 1775. Systematic residential development began after the estate was subdivided in the years following the American Revolution.

The district preserves the largest collection of Federal-style row houses in New York City, showing how affluent families lived in the early 1800s. Walking these streets gives a sense of when this area was a desirable neighborhood for the rising middle class.

The best way to explore the district is by walking the three main streets - Charlton, King, and Vandam - which feature continuous rows of homes. The area is easily walkable, and it helps to take time noticing the details of individual facades and doorways along the way.

Former Public School 8, designed by David Skagg in 1886, stands as a notable Queen Anne-style building in the district. The structure has since been converted to residential apartments while retaining its ornate brick detailing.