The Potter Building was constructed with the most advanced fireproofing technologies available after the building previously on the site burned to the ground.
The building replaced a former headquarters of the New York World, which was built in 1857 and burned down in February 1882. It was converted into apartments from 1979 to 1981.
In 1886 Norris G. Starkweather incorporated the most advanced fireproofing methods at the time including 40" thick brick walls and cast iron construction for the Potter Building.
Two other buildings on Park Row were also part of Newspaper Row but not built specifically for newspapers' use. The Potter Building, at 38 Park Row, contained tenants such as The Press, a Republican Party-affiliated penny paper, as well as The New York Observer.
Fulton–Nassau Historic District-In 2005, the Potter Building was designated as a contributing property to the Fulton–Nassau Historic District, a National Register of Historic Places district.
The Potter Building employed the most advanced fireproofing methods that were available when the building was erected between 1883 and 1886.
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The fireproofing features included rolled iron beams, cast iron columns, brick exterior walls, tile arches, and terracotta.
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The Potter Building on Park Row
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Among the first to have a "C"-shaped floor plan, with an exterior light courtyard facing Beekman Street.
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The building replaced a former headquarters of the New York World, named for its developer, the politician and real estate developer Orlando B. Potter.
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Nassau Street, looking up at the back side of the Potter Building