Corbin Building, 11 John Street, New York, New York County, NY

Significance: It is significant for both is aesthetic and technological contributions to the history of American architecture. Designed by architect Francis Hatch Kimball (1845-1919) for the prominent banker and real estate developer Austin Corbin, the Corbin Building (1888-1889) is a proto-skyscraper: an early tall commercial building, reaching nine stories. Predating the use of pneumatic-driven caisson footings necessary for the steel-frame construction of true skyscrapers, the structure is still supported by load bearing masonry walls. The Corbin Building represents an important development in building technology: incorporation of Guastavino tile structural floor arches, designed for fire resistance, superior ability to accommodate large floor loads, and for streamlining and speeding construction. Pioneering use of elaborate terra cotta decoration is another notable feature of the Corbin Building...

Survey number: HABS NY-6372

Building/structure dates: 1888-1889 Initial Construction

commercial facilities masonry building materials masonry elevators fire resistive construction city island new york ny corbin john street new york manhattan street manhattan streets of new york manhattan new york ny freemasons freemasonry carlos s carrera gustavo carrera austin corbin eric difronzo jennifer l hall historic american buildings survey francis h kimball new york architectural terra cotta company otis elevator company ove arup and partners llc page ayers cowley architects matthew thomson photo ultra high resolution high resolution architecture interior stairs stairways library of congress new york city

1933 - 1970

Library of Congress

http://www.loc.gov/

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