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Pre-war building history

Started by missm
about 14 years ago
Posts: 1
Member since: May 2009
Discussion about
I am curious about building history beyond the basics like year built, architect, etc., and have done some very casual digging to find out more. It's easy enough to use the DOB's database, but you're not able to actually read any filings -- you can only see the dates that new buildings, demolitions, or alterations occurred, not their scope or any other details. (Especially if you're looking from 1900 to the '60s.) Any tips from fellow dorks on how to do the best research?
Response by NWT
about 14 years ago
Posts: 6643
Member since: Sep 2008

Try these:

http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/explore/dgexplore.cfm?col_id=151

http://www.hathitrust.org

http://nyre.cul.columbia.edu/

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Response by NWT
about 14 years ago
Posts: 6643
Member since: Sep 2008

and http://www.offeringplanet.com

http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/

and Google Books.

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Response by jim_hones10
about 14 years ago
Posts: 3413
Member since: Jan 2010

Why not get off your ass and go talk to the doormen?

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Response by huntersburg
about 14 years ago
Posts: 11329
Member since: Nov 2010

Doormen? Great idea.

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Response by West34
about 14 years ago
Posts: 1040
Member since: Mar 2009

Re: doormen

they can give you the history of who's bangin who

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Response by nyc10023
about 14 years ago
Posts: 7614
Member since: Nov 2008

Write to Christopher Gray.

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Response by FreebirdNYC
about 14 years ago
Posts: 337
Member since: Jun 2007

The NYPL site is amazing - thanks!

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Response by front_porch
about 14 years ago
Posts: 5325
Member since: Mar 2008

you might also enjoy "wirednewyork.com" which is a real estate-focused site with a lot of architects as habitual posters.

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