Condict Building

55 White Street | Tribeca | built 1861

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Written with AI from the source each entry cites, then fact-checked.

  1. 1861

    The Condict cousins build a cast-iron headquarters from John Kellum's 'sperm candle' design

    In 1861 the saddlery partners John Eliot Condict and Samuel H. Condict, who were cousins, built 55-57 White Street to a design by John Kellum. Its cast-iron front, made at Daniel D. Badger's foundry, is shown in Badger's catalogue. The front is a 'sperm candle' design, named for the tall, slender columns that reminded observers of whale-oil candles, and is among the largest of the few left in the city. For many years the building housed J. E. Condict & Co., and textile firms came after.

    Source: NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission

  2. 1861

    The Civil War brings the Condict firms military contracts

    The Civil War began the year the building was finished, and both Condict firms won military contracts. S. H. Condict & Co. sold the government gun-slings, cartridge boxes and other equipment worth $10,324 in the war's first year. J. E. Condict & Co. sold $3,187 of horse equipment in 1865-66, and S. H. Condict & Co. was still bidding on Navy knapsacks in 1873.

    Source: Daytonian in Manhattan

  3. 1909

    September 23

    Hoffman-Corr Manufacturing sells replica Half Moon flags for the Hudson-Fulton celebration

    By 1908 Hoffman-Corr Manufacturing, a maker of rope, twine, candle wicking and flags, was apparently the building's only occupant. For the Hudson-Fulton celebration of 1909 it produced bunting flags billed as exact copies of the one on Henry Hudson's Half Moon. On September 23, two days before the festivities began, it advertised that it would stay open until 9 p.m. each night. Sizes ran from 4 by 6 feet to 8 by 12 feet.

    Source: Daytonian in Manhattan

  4. 1922

    February 21

    A fire in 1,000 tons of baled cotton damages the interior but spares the iron facade

    At about 6 p.m. on February 21, 1922, smoke was noticed in the basement, where more than 1,000 tons of baled cotton were burning. Firefighters cut holes through the sidewalk to pour water into the cellar. A crowd of 5,000 watched as 18 companies fought the fire for three hours, and a dozen firefighters were overcome by fumes. The interior was severely damaged, but the cast-iron front needed only new windows and a coat of paint.

    Source: Daytonian in Manhattan

  5. 1988

    Neighbors push for landmark status to stop a condo tower from rising over the building

    In 1988 a developer proposed demolishing the synagogue at 49 White Street and building a 33-story condominium tower, part of it bridging over this building. Locals were angered because the 1861 building was not a designated landmark. Civic groups lobbied the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which designated it an individual landmark, and the project was stopped. The upper floors became apartments about two years later.

    Source: Daytonian in Manhattan

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