50 West 13th Street

Now a NYC Landmark

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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. In addition, noted suffragist, educator, and civil rights leader Sarah Smith Tompkins Garnet lived here for at least eight years, from 1866 to 1874, during a critical period of her life.

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 that 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 sought landmark designation for the house to save it from demolition following the death of the theater’s owner.

In addition to voluminous research submitted to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, Village Preservation has generated thousands of letters of support for landmark designation from New Yorkers and those interested in preserving Black, women’s, and theater history across the country, as well as elected officials. On October 22, 2024, the Landmarks Preservation Commission granted landmark status for the historic site, now officially dubbed the Jacob Day Residence.