Located at the bustling address of One Centre Street, New York, stands a monumental structure that embodies both architectural grandeur and civic significance: the David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building. This impressive edifice, situated at the intersection of Chambers and Centre Streets, just east of City Hall Park and north of the Brooklyn Bridge entrance, is more than just a government office building; it’s a landmark that tells a story of New York City’s growth and ambition. Completed between 1909 and 1914, this building, designed by the renowned William M. Kendall of McKim, Mead & White, has been recognized since 1966 by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission as “an imposing building of real beauty… one of the few monumental skyscrapers of the early part of the Twentieth Century.”
A Historical Overview of One Centre Street
By the late 19th century, New York City’s rapid expansion necessitated more space for its burgeoning municipal functions. City Hall, once sufficient, was no longer adequate for a city exceeding a million residents. Mayor Franklin Edson in 1884 highlighted the overcrowding, noting City Hall’s architectural limitations for expansion. The increasing number of government agencies were scattered in rented offices, stretching north of Wall Street towards Midtown, costing the city significant sums in rent.
The pressing need for consolidated and expanded civic space led to a series of architectural competitions starting in 1888. It wasn’t until the fourth competition, commissioned by the Commissioner of Bridges, that a winning design emerged. William M. Kendall, a partner at McKim, Mead & White, drew inspiration from Liverpool’s Royal Liver Building to create the blueprint for what would become the Municipal Building at One Centre Street New York. By 1908, when Kendall’s design was chosen, New York City had grown to encompass five boroughs and over 4.5 million inhabitants, underscoring the urgency and scale of the project. Construction commenced in 1909, laying the foundation for one of the world’s largest government office buildings.
The Municipal Building opened its doors in stages, with offices occupied from January 1913, and fully operational by 1916. The total cost, a substantial $9 million, included the land acquisition. Its landmark status was officially recognized in 1966, and it underwent major renovations, most recently completed in 1993, to maintain its functionality and grandeur. For many years, One Centre Street was famed for hosting the City Clerk’s Office, where over 30,000 marriages were performed annually. However, in 2009, the City Clerk’s Office relocated to 141 Worth Street.
In a significant tribute on October 15, 2015, Mayor Bill de Blasio renamed the Manhattan Municipal Building to the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, honoring the former Mayor’s extensive public service. David N. Dinkins had a profound connection to One Centre Street, serving there for 14 years, first as City Clerk (1975-1985) and then as Manhattan Borough President (1986-1990), before becoming New York City’s first African American Mayor.
Architectural Grandeur and Design of 1 Centre Street
The architecture of One Centre Street New York is a masterful blend of Roman, Italian Renaissance, and Classical styles. A defining feature is the open plaza at its base, framed by impressive Corinthian columns, seemingly carved from the building’s first three stories. This plaza leads to a central triumphal arch, inspired by the Arch of Constantine, which was once large enough to accommodate automobile traffic before changes to Chambers Street’s traffic flow. Today, this barrel-vaulted passageway welcomes pedestrians.
Adding to its modern relevance, the Municipal Building was ahead of its time as the first New York City building to integrate a subway station into its foundation. The subway entrance on the south side features an arcaded plaza with striking Guastavino tile vaults.
Crowning the central tower is the iconic 20-foot gilded statue, “Civic Fame,” sculpted by Adolph Weinman. This hollow copper figure depicts a barefoot woman standing on a sphere, adorned with a flowing gown and laurel crown, symbolizing glory. She holds a five-pointed crown representing the five boroughs of New York City.
Sculptural details and reliefs are integral to the building’s aesthetic. The central arch mirrors the Roman style of the Arch of Constantine, while allegorical panels adorn the side arches. To the north, “Civic Duty” portrays the City personified by a woman with a child holding the city seal. On the south side, “Civic Pride” shows the City receiving tribute from citizens. Weinman also designed shields featuring symbols of New Amsterdam, the Province of New York, the City and County of New York, and New York State, which are incorporated into the elevators and various moldings throughout One Centre Street.
Inside One Centre Street: Functionality and Services
Today, the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building at One Centre Street New York remains one of the largest government office buildings globally, housing over 2,000 employees from numerous municipal agencies within its million square feet of office space. It serves as the office for key elected officials, including the City Comptroller, the Public Advocate, and the Manhattan Borough President. It is also the headquarters for the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, responsible for the building’s management.
Among the many departments located at 1 Centre Street are the Department of Finance, the Tax Commission, the Civil Service Commission, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the Office of Payroll Administration. Field units from other city departments, such as the Mayor’s Office, Department of Buildings, Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, also operate from this central location. The building’s main structure has 25 floors and 33 elevators, topped by a central tower extending to 15 additional stories. Daily, over a thousand individuals utilize the services provided by the various agencies within. For those wishing to take a piece of New York City home, CityStore, the Official Store of the City of New York, is located on the ground floor, offering books, gifts, collectibles, and souvenirs.
In conclusion, One Centre Street, New York, the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, is not just an address; it’s a vital hub of city governance, a historical monument, and an architectural masterpiece. Its enduring presence is a testament to New York City’s ambitious spirit and its commitment to both functionality and aesthetic beauty in its civic structures. As architecture critic Paul Goldberger aptly described it as an “object lesson in sensitive urbanism,” the building stands as a fitting tribute to both urban design and the legacy of Mayor David N. Dinkins. The David N. Dinkins Municipal Building remains a designated New York City Landmark, continuing to serve the city and its people from its prominent location at One Centre Street.
