Architectural Gem in Manhattan

Last week, I had the opportunity to go see the site I'm using for my thesis project at 87 Lafayette Street.  Unfortunately, all I was able to get were some exterior photographs.  However, I contacted the company that now owns it and was able to take a look inside this past Thursday.  It truly is an architectural beauty.  While it is surrounded by steel and glass skyscrapers and concrete block buildings, it certainly holds it's own and has done so since 1895.  Originally a fire house built by Napoleon Le Brun & Sons, it now houses DCTV which is a media production educational facility.  The plaque above the entry says, "Today it seems surprising that such an elaborate design would be used for so utilitarian a structure.  The entire spirit of the building - with it's corner tower, steep roof, dormers, and stone and iron crestings - recalls a romantic fairy tale." While that description is perfect for the exterior, the interior is a bit different.  The building has housed multiple functions and companies since its construction and has undergone some changes on the interior.  Upon entering, the first floor is basically stripped to the bone except for the central entry/circulation space that includes the elevator and stairs.  Half of the first floor is unoccupied and used for storage and the other half is for parking.  Yes, I said parking.  I know parking in New York city is hard to find but I feel like parking your car in such a beautiful building is somewhat rude even though it's original intention was for firetrucks.  Either way, the first floor is not fully utilized.  The second and third floors are fully occupied and packed with small rooms and cubicles.  Walls and floors have been changed and added over the years, creating a mish-mosh of spaces.  While they are doing their best to create individual class rooms/media rooms, it feels a bit unorganized.  On the third floor, there is an original fire pole coming down from the small fourth floor near the old metal staircase.  Seeing these original details, along with the italian slate roof and hard wood floors, made me realize that this building is truly special.  Although I wasn't able to see the tiny fourth floor, I was sold.  All of the original details create a comfortable atmosphere almost like you're walking into a home.  This is aided by the pitched rood, dormers, and materials.  Choosing a building with character, a sense of comfort, and a 'fairy tale' quality all support some of my thesis ideas regarding creating an activity center for physically disabled children.  Creating a sense of normalcy in a space that feels like home yet has some fantastical characteristics will all aid in my design process.