Nestled at the vibrant intersection of Chambers and Centre Streets, 1 Centre Street, Manhattan, NY, stands as a monumental testament to New York City’s rich history and architectural grandeur. Officially known as the David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building, this iconic structure is more than just an address; it’s a cornerstone of city governance and a captivating landmark for anyone exploring downtown Manhattan.
Erected between 1909 and 1914, the building is a masterpiece designed by William M. Kendall from the esteemed architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. The Landmarks Preservation Commission aptly described it in 1966 as “an imposing building of real beauty… one of the few monumental skyscrapers of the early part of the Twentieth Century.” This description still rings true today as 1 Centre Street continues to impress with its scale and intricate design.
A Colossus of City Administration at 1 Centre Street
Positioned east of City Hall Park and north of the Brooklyn Bridge’s Manhattan entrance, 1 Centre Street is strategically located at the heart of New York City’s civic center. Its sheer size is remarkable, ranking among the world’s largest government office buildings. Spanning nearly 1 million square feet, it accommodates over 2,000 employees from a dozen crucial municipal agencies.
Within the walls of 1 Centre Street, you’ll find the offices of key elected officials, including the City Comptroller, the Public Advocate, and the Manhattan Borough President. It also serves as the headquarters for the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, the entity responsible for managing this vast building. Furthermore, 1 Centre Street is home to essential departments like the Department of Finance, the Tax Commission, the Civil Service Commission, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the Office of Payroll Administration. Even field units of the Mayor’s Office and departments like Buildings, Environmental Protection, and Information Technology and Telecommunications maintain a presence here, solidifying 1 Centre Street as a central hub of city operations.
The main structure of 1 Centre Street boasts 25 floors and is serviced by 33 elevators, with a towering central section reaching 15 stories higher. Daily, over a thousand individuals utilize the various services offered within its walls. Interestingly, for those visiting or working at 1 Centre Street, the ground floor also houses CityStore, the Official Store of the City of New York, offering a range of books, gifts, and New York City souvenirs.
Architectural Grandeur: Roman Classicism Meets Modern Innovation at 1 Centre Street
The architectural style of 1 Centre Street is a captivating blend of Roman, Italian Renaissance, and Classical influences, all rendered in imposing limestone. A defining feature is the open plaza at its base, seemingly carved from the first three stories and framed by stately Corinthian columns. This plaza seamlessly transitions into a central triumphal arch, drawing inspiration from the Arch of Constantine. Originally, this arch was so expansive that automobile traffic flowed directly through it before traffic patterns on Chambers Street were reconfigured. Today, this barrel-vaulted passage is a pedestrian walkway, inviting exploration.
Beneath its classical façade, 1 Centre Street holds a modern secret: it was the first building in New York City to integrate a subway station into its foundation. The subway entrance on the south side leads through an arcaded plaza, notable for its dramatic Guastavino tile vaulted ceilings, a testament to early 20th-century engineering ingenuity.
Crowning the central tower is the gilded statue “Civic Fame,” a 20-foot tall masterpiece by sculptor Adolph Weinman. This hollow copper figure depicts a barefoot woman standing gracefully on a sphere, adorned with a flowing gown and a laurel crown symbolizing glory. She extends a five-pointed crown in her left hand, representing the five boroughs of New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.
Sculptural details and reliefs are integral to the design of 1 Centre Street. The central arch echoes Roman styles reminiscent of the Arch of Constantine, while allegorical panels adorn the side arches. To the north, “Civic Duty” is depicted as a woman representing the city with a child holding the city seal. To the south, “Civic Pride” shows the city personified as a woman receiving tribute from citizens. Weinman’s artistic contributions extend beyond “Civic Fame”; he also designed shields featured in the elevators and throughout the building, symbolizing the historical progression from New Amsterdam to the City and State of New York.
From Crowded City Hall to 1 Centre Street: A History of Growth
The story of 1 Centre Street begins with the rapid growth of New York City in the late 19th century. By 1884, City Hall had become insufficient for the expanding needs of a city exceeding one million residents. Mayor Franklin Edson recognized the limitations of City Hall in his 1884 report, noting its inability to be enlarged without compromising its architectural integrity.
The persistent lack of space and the city’s desire to reduce rental costs for government offices scattered north of Wall Street prompted action. In 1888, Mayor Abraham Hewitt established a commission to find a site and solicit architectural plans. Four architectural competitions ensued between 1888 and 1907. The final competition, managed by the Commissioner of Bridges, was triggered by the need for a trolley terminal connected to the Brooklyn Bridge. Twelve firms participated, and William M. Kendall’s design, inspired by Liverpool’s Royal Liver Building, emerged victorious in 1908.
By 1908, New York City had grown to encompass five boroughs and over 4.5 million inhabitants. Construction of 1 Centre Street commenced in 1909, realizing the vision of a government building on an unprecedented scale.
A Legacy Honoring David N. Dinkins at 1 Centre Street
Completed in 1914, with offices operational as early as 1913, 1 Centre Street was fully occupied by 1916. The project, including land acquisition, totaled $9 million. Designated a landmark in 1966 and renovated twice, most recently in 1993, 1 Centre Street has remained a vital part of New York City’s administrative landscape.
For many years, 1 Centre Street was famously known for hosting over 30,000 weddings annually at the City Clerk’s Office. Although the City Clerk’s Office relocated in 2009, the building’s significance persisted. In 2015, Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray officially renamed the Manhattan Municipal Building as the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, honoring the former mayor’s extensive public service. Mayor Dinkins had a deep connection to 1 Centre Street, having served there for 14 years as City Clerk and Manhattan Borough President before becoming the city’s first African American Mayor and moving to City Hall.
Mayor de Blasio emphasized the fitting tribute, stating, “I can’t think of a more fitting tribute than to rename the Municipal Building, where he spent 14 years of his career, in his honor.”
Paul Goldberger, a renowned architecture critic, aptly described 1 Centre Street as “sensitive urbanism,” a description that resonates with both the building’s design and Mayor Dinkins’ approach to governance. The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street NY stands not only as an architectural landmark but also as a symbol of civic dedication and a lasting tribute to a distinguished New Yorker.
