Colonnade Row

Introduction

Colonnade Row, located on Lafayette Place in Manhattan, is a group of Greek Revival townhouses built in the 1830s by Samuel Ratham, representing early New York suburban development. The nine symmetrically arranged brownstone townhouses are renowned for their elegant columned porticoes, wrought-iron fences, and roof cornices, resembling modern interpretations of ancient Greek temples, hence the name Colonnade Row. In the mid-19th century, the area was home to New York high society, including the Vanderbilt and Astor families and a son of President John Tyler. As commercial districts expanded northward, the townhouses declined, converted to retail and office use with some facades altered. In the late 20th century, preservation efforts restored the remaining buildings, now designated city landmarks. Today, together with the nearby Public Theater and Astor Place, the row forms a unique block blending early New York architecture with contemporary culture, a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info