New York Architectural Terra-Cotta Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing, Ceramics |
| Founded | 1886 |
| Founder | Orlando B. Potter, Walter Geer |
| Defunct | 1928–1929 |
| Headquarters | Queens, New York , United States |
Key people | James Taylor (production overseer), Richard Dalton (president 1919–1928) |
| Products | Architectural terracotta |
The New York Architectural Terra-Cotta Company was a producer of architectural terracotta headquartered in Queens, New York, United States.
History
From the 1870s onward, architectural terracotta became widely favored in the United States due to its adaptability and fire-resistant properties. Early prominent manufacturers included Chicago Terra Cotta Works and the Perth Amboy Terra Cotta Company. Seizing an opportunity near New York City’s real estate market, entrepreneur Orlando B. Potter established the New York Architectural Terra-Cotta Company in 1886 alongside his son-in-law Walter Geer.
They appointed ceramic expert James Taylor, often regarded as "the father of architectural terracotta" in America, to oversee their Ravenswood, New York production facility. Shortly after operations commenced, a devastating fire destroyed the plant. Under Taylor’s leadership, reconstruction was immediate and included the installation of an automatic sprinkler system; the factory reopened within months, earning commendation from the local community for its rapid restoration.
In 1892, the firm constructed a dedicated office building designed by architect Francis H. Kimball to display its terracotta offerings. This structure combined Renaissance and Tudor Revival elements and incorporated terracotta panels, chimney pots, and clay roofing tiles to highlight the company’s diverse product line.
By 1915, it ranked as the fourth largest employer in Long Island City and had expanded with a second manufacturing facility located in Old Bridge, New Jersey. The company thrived through the 1920s but ultimately filed for bankruptcy during 1928–1929.
After dissolution
Following his presidency from 1919 to 1928, Richard Dalton founded the Eastern Terra Cotta Company in 1931, utilizing the original New York Architectural Terra-Cotta Company’s manufacturing assets. This enterprise operated until the mid-1940s, after which Dalton repurposed the 1892 office building for his construction firm. Upon his passing in 1968, Citibank acquired the Queens site and subsequently demolished the remaining production facilities.
Despite resistance from Citibank and Queens borough president Donald Manes, the 1892 office building was swiftly designated a New York City Landmark in 1982. Recognized for its distinctive architectural style, it was purchased in 1999 by Stuart Match Suna, president of Silvercup Studios. Although initially supported by preservation advocates due to Suna’s wife serving on the Landmarks Commission, restoration efforts were postponed until intervention by Landmarks attorneys. In the 2020s, extensive renovations were undertaken on both the interior and exterior of the building.
Notable projects
The company provided architectural terracotta for several notable New York City landmarks such as the Lincoln Building, the Corbin Building, the Schermerhorn Building, the Old Grolier Club, the Montauk Club, Carnegie Hall, and The Ansonia.
See also
- 1886 establishments in New York (state)
- 1929 disestablishments in New York (state)
- American companies disestablished in 1929
- Ceramics manufacturers of the United States
- Companies based in Queens, New York
- Defunct manufacturing companies based in New York City
- Manufacturing companies established in 1886
- Terracotta
- Manufacturer of architectural terracotta