50 West 13th Street

This 1846-47 row house possesses an incredibly rich history that spans the 19th and 20th centuries. From 1858 to 1884, it was home to Jacob Day, one of New York’s most wealthy and successful 19th century African American businessmen and real estate owners, crusader for African American civil rights, and a prominent supporter of African American institutions.

Beginning in 1972, 50 West 13th Street was also home of the 13th Street Repertory Company, one of New York’s oldest “Off -Off Broadway” theaters. The theater, and several which occupied the space before it, hosted decades of prominent actors, directors, artists, designers, and playwrights, as well as Off-Off Broadway’s longest-running show ever, “Line.” Village Preservation is seeking landmark designation for the house to save it from demolition following the death of the theater’s owner.

Updates

  • February 2, 2024

    Celebrate Black History Month and Protect the Rich But Endangered History in Our Neighborhoods

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  • November 27, 2023

    TAKE ACTION: Even More Remarkable Black History at Endangered 50 West 13th Street — Home of Sarah Smith Tompkins Garnet

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  • May 12, 2023

    On and Off 14th Street, Fighting to Recognize and Preserve Our City’s Diverse Histories

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  • February 3, 2023

    Celebrating Black History — Explore Our Past, Advocate to Honor and Protect It

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  • June 17, 2022

    Help Us Save an Abolitionist Landmark, 50 West 13th Street

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  • February 1, 2022

    This Black History Month, Village Preservation Invites You to Explore, Celebrate, and Advocate for Preserving Significant but Unprotected Black History Sites in Our Neighborhoods

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  • January 18, 2022

    Highlighting Landmarking Effort for 50 West 13th Street’s African American Voting Rights Crusader on MLK Day

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  • April 16, 2021

    Challenging the Landmarks Preservation Commission to Abide By Its ‘Equity Framework’

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  • April 5, 2021

    Support Rolls in for Saving For 50 West 13th Street, Home of Theater and African American Civil Rights History

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  • March 15, 2021

    Newly Revealed Civil Rights History Powers Push to Save 50 W. 13th St. After City Refuses to Act

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  • January 13, 2021

    Saving 50 West 13th Street, Home of the 13th Street Repertory Theatre

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