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A.A. Low Building
This historic masonry, cast iron, and timber-framed landmarked building, located at 167-171 John Street, was built in 1850 for the A.A. Low & Brothers, a famous export firm until well past the end of the 19th century. Founded by Abiel Abbot Low (1811-1893), the company was New York’s most successful firm in the China trade importing cinnamon, pepper, silks, porcelain, firecrackers, and tea.
A.A. Low & Brothers occupied the building well into the 20th century, and as a whole, the building represents the success and importance of the original builder.
165 John Street
This building reflects the predominant Greek Revival style of the time of its contruction, in the forms used in the ground-floor trabeated storefronts, and in its masonry work.
Typically, Greek Revival style buildings are characterized by a granite post-and-lintel frame resting on a granite sill running the entire width of the building, slightly above street level and supported by a brick wall.
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165 John Street
The concentration of granite at ground level highlights new utilitarian innovations, such as cellars with access from the street (with related modified entrances and sidewalks) and more access to light and ventilation compared to Schermerhorn Row.
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167 John Street
The facade of the building was altered and restored in 1983, but the cast-iron double storefront is original and notable because it was produced by Daniel D. Badger (1806-1884) of the renowned Architectural Iron Works firm.
Another important occupant of the building was the Baltimore Copper Paint Co., founded in 1870, and tenant of the A.A. Low Building until the early 1970s. Between 1941 and 1945, the company manufactured vessel coatings for the U.S. Maritime Commission, the U.S. Navy, and the British Admiralty. The paint was also used on Russian torpedo boats!
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181 Front Street
Jan Hird Pokorny Associates restored the building and adapted it for reuse by the South Street Seaport Museum in 1991.
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