264 East 7th Street | Block : 376 | Lot #24

Description & Building Alterations

Tax records indicate that this three-story Greek Revival row house, along with several others on the block, was constructed between 1842 and 1843. The building showcases iron railings with swirling horizontal volutes at the top of the stoop, descending to vertical volutes at sidewalk level. During the mid 19th century, this house was part of a row of adjacent houses known as the Dry Dock District and later the Political Row: the block of Seventh Street between Avenue C and Avenue D where many of the Eleventh Ward’s political figures lived. This area was therefore linked to the early development of New York’s waterfront. By the turn of the 20th century, the erosion of Political Row was underway as many of its original occupants moved away due to the onslaught of tenement construction. In 1984, illustrator Felicia Bond drew the hardwood floors, black and white tile bathroom, and the arched living room doorway for the best-selling children’s book If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. 

In September 2016, a demolition permit was filed for this 1842 row house. Village Preservation submitted an Emergency Request for Evaluation to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (see sidebar). It was denied. Village Preservation held a rally in protest in November of 2016 (click HERE for the video and HERE for the pictures). Subsequently, a new owner took possession of the building and restored this Greek Revival row house to its present appearance.