Chinatown in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Engine Company 31

Photographed By Daniele Gates, July 31, 2010

1. Engine Company 31 Marker

Inscription. This building, constructed in 1895, is among the best of the many eclectic firehouses built by Napoleon Le Brun & Sons. Today it seems surprising that such an elaborate design would be used for so utilitarian a structure. The entire spirit of the building - with its corner tower, steep roof, dormers, and stone and iron crestings - recalls a romantic fairy tale.

Erected 1989 by New York Landmarks and Preservation Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Man-Made Features • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location. 40° 43.046′ N, 74° 0.083′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Chinatown. Marker is at the intersection of Lafayette Street and White Street, on the right when traveling north on Lafayette Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 87 Lafayette Street, New York NY 10013, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Jerry and Maria McAuley Center (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mudd Club, 1978-1981 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Collect Pond and the City (about 400 feet away); Collect Pond Before The City (about 400 feet away); Death of the Collect Pond

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(about 400 feet away); The Legendary Collect Pond (about 400 feet away); From Collect Pond To Park (about 500 feet away); 孫中山先生 [Mr. Sun Yat-sen] (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

Regarding Engine Company 31. The building is the long-time home of the Downtown Community Television Center (DCTV), and is listed in the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to New York City, Fifth Edition.

Also see . . .
1. Engine Company 31. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on August 12, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

2. History of Engine Company 31. NYFD website (Submitted on August 12, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)

3. Engine Company 31 - 87 Lafayette Street. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on April 5, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

4. Firehouse, Engine Company 31 - National Archives. National Register of Historic Places documentation (Submitted on April 9, 2024, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Additional keywords. Firehouse

Engine Company 31 building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, 2000

2. Engine Company 31 building

The marker is to the left of the center door.

Photographed By Daniele Gates, July 31, 2010

3. Engine Company 31 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2010, by Daniele Gates of Brooklyn, New York. This page has been viewed 791 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on November 30, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1. submitted on August 8, 2010, by Daniele Gates of Brooklyn, New York. 2. submitted on November 8, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on August 8, 2010, by Daniele Gates of Brooklyn, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.