Schermerhorn Row

Completed in 1812, Schermerhorn Row is one of the oldest standing structures in Manhattan, that preserve Georgian-Federal architectural details increasingly rare in the redeveloped neighborhood. This complex of Federal-style buildings originally served as counting-houses for the merchants of the seaport district, when in the early 19th century South Street was New York’s primary port of entry. 

Built by Peter Schermerhorn, the 14 red-brick warehouses were home to Sweet's Seafood House from 1847 to the 1990s, once the city’s oldest fish restaurant. The corner building, initially a hotel, was modified in 1868 to add a mansard roof. Purchased by the State of New York in 1974, the buildings were connected to the A.A. Low Building during a 2003 redevelopment to create gallery space, including maritime artist James E. Buttersworth's works. Nearby Greek Revival-style buildings were also restored in the 1980s and are now part of the South Street Seaport. 

Over the next two centuries Schermerhorn Row hosted various businesses including restaurants and hotels. Schermerhorn Row has survived the changing economic fortunes of the South Street Seaport and hurricanes to become what it is today: the heart of a vibrant New York historic district and home to the South Street Seaport Museum.