United States Custom House

History and architecture

The seven-story stone Custom House was designed in the Eclectic French Renaissance Style, Art and industry joined to produce one of the splendid buildings of its period. This is a truly monumental structure, and the decor-ations proclaim that this is the chief building of New York as a seaport. On pedestals advanced from the base of the building are four sculptured groups, heroic in size, representing the Four Continents. The keystones of the main windows are carved with heads typifying the eight races of mankind. Over each of the columns of the main facade are heroic statues representing the twelve commercial centers of the ancient and modern worlds. The principle facade is crowned by a giant cartouche bearing the arms of the United States. A head of Mercury, the ancient God of Commerce, appears on each of the capitals of the forty-four columns which encircle the building.

The question has been raised by the Federal Government as to whether this building should be designated by New York City as a Landmark. The Commission wishes to honor a building of which New Yorkers are proud. The Commission is cognizant of the jurisdictional question. Nevertheless, it is very important for the Government of New York City to state officially its deep concern that this building be preserved. There should be no uncertainty about this in any-one's mind.

The Commission would be negligent if it failed to act in this situation. At some time in the future this building may be in jeopardy. Our designation will be especially helpful in alerting New York City's elected representatives in Washington of the importance of saving this building. At present the Commission's specialists can be of service in providing advice so that the architectural integrity of this building is maintained. Indeed a fine relationship already exists with many local representatives of the Federal Government.