Colonnade Row

Colonnade Row stands as a faded monument to the aspirations of nineteenth century New York. When these nine grand townhouses were completed in eighteen thirty-three, they were known as La Grange Terrace, named after the French country estate of the Marquis de Lafayette. The buildings were a spectacle of the era, featuring a continuous facade of Westchester marble supported by massive Corinthian columns. This marble was not just local stone; it was cut by convicts at the Sing Sing correctional facility before being hauled down to the city. At the time, this row was considered the most prestigious address in New York, housing elite families like the Vanderbilts, the Astors, and the Gardiners. They were also among the very first residences in the city to offer the luxury of indoor plumbing, including hot and cold running water.