While it may largely seem that the way of doing things when it comes to structures here in New York City is knock down and build, build again, that's not always the case. Untapped Cities has rounded up eight historic buildings that have not only averted the common fate, but also been moved from their original place. Here's the story of two of 'em.
↑ 1) 121 Charles Street: This two century-old clapboard farmhouse didn't always stand on its coveted West Village lot. The home that was once owned by Margaret Wise Brown, the author of classic children's book Goodnight Moon, was moved to its current location from 71st Street and York Avenue on the Upper East Side in 1967 after the Archdiocese of New York purchased it and the surrounding properties as a site for a nursing home. The family who occupied the house at the time had it moved on a flatbed truck to the lot that they had purchased fordrumroll, please$30,000. More recently, the house is up for sale (for $20 million) and be marketed as a development site.
2) Poe Cottage: In 1844, American author Edgar Allan Poe moved north from Manhattan to this Bronx cottage that was surrounded by nature (nowadays, Grand Concourse between 191st and 192nd streets) under the hope that its pastoral surrounds would help aid his tuberculosis-stricken wife. Well, that didn't quite work out, and three weeks later, the missus perished as Poe himself would do two years later. In his brief time at the home Poe penned some of his most accomplished works, including Annabel Lee and Eureka. The cottage's significance to Poe's literary contribution inspired his fans to seek its preservation after it was sold off along with many of its furnishings by his mother-in-law. The building's fate was secured when it was moved across the street in 1913 to a park created in Poe's name, and was landmarked in 1966.
For six more prominent NYC buildings that have been moved, check out Untapped Cities.
· 8 Historic Buildings That Have Been Moved in NYC [UC]