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