Walk down Centre Street in Lower Manhattan and you’ll see it. It’s hard to miss. A massive, Edwardian Baroque masterpiece topped with a shimmering copper dome that turns green under the New York sun. This is the Police Building NYC, or at least, that’s what everyone still calls it. Officially, it’s 240 Centre Street.
But if you tried to report a crime there today, you’d be greeted by a concierge, not a desk sergeant.
The transition from the headquarters of the NYPD to a luxury co-op is one of those "only in New York" stories that highlights the city's obsession with real estate and historical recycling. For over six decades, this was the literal brain of the city’s law enforcement. Now? It’s where celebrities and the ultra-wealthy hide behind limestone walls that were originally built to keep the peace during the roughest years of the early 20th century.
It's beautiful. It's imposing. And honestly, it’s kind of weird when you think about the history soaking into the floorboards.
A Powerhouse Built on a Swamp
The Police Building NYC wasn't just built to be a workplace. It was built to be a statement. Before 1909, the NYPD was scattered. They needed a central hub. The city chose a spot that was—frankly—a bit of a mess. It was right on the edge of the old Five Points neighborhood, which was notorious for being one of the most dangerous slums in the world.
Architects Hoppin & Koen were the ones behind the design. They wanted something that looked like it belonged in Paris or London, not a gritty corner of Manhattan. They went for the Edwardian Baroque style. We're talking massive columns, intricate carvings, and that famous dome. It was finished in 1909.
The goal? Intimidation through beauty.
When you walked into the lobby back then, you weren't just walking into a precinct. You were walking into the belly of the beast. The building housed the Police Commissioner’s office, the "Lineup" room where suspects were paraded in front of detectives, and the legendary "Dead Room" where files on unsolved murders were kept. It was the nerve center for the entire five-borough system.
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The Gritty Years and the Great Abandonment
By the 1960s, the charm was wearing off. The NYPD had outgrown the space. Technology was changing, and 240 Centre Street was a relic. It was cramped. The plumbing was a disaster. The electrical systems couldn't handle the load of a modernizing force.
In 1973, the NYPD packed up their files and moved to the current 1 Police Plaza near City Hall.
The Police Building NYC sat empty for over a decade. It was a ghost ship. Imagine this grand, palatial structure just rotting in the middle of Little Italy and Soho. Squatters moved in. Pigeons took over the dome. The city actually considered tearing it down, which sounds insane now given its landmark status, but that’s how New York handled things in the 70s.
It was eventually designated a landmark in 1978, but it took years for anyone to figure out what to do with it. Converting a police station into apartments sounds like a nightmare for a developer. How do you turn a holding cell into a kitchen?
From Handcuffs to High-End Real Estate
The 1980s changed everything. A developer named Henry J. Elghanayan of Rockrose Development saw the potential. They spent roughly $30 million—which was a fortune back then—to gut the interior while preserving the landmark facade.
They turned the Police Building NYC into 55 luxury co-op apartments.
This wasn't a cheap "fixer-upper" project. They kept the massive windows. They kept the 16-foot ceilings. They turned the old gymnasium into a multi-level apartment. The dome? That became part of a spectacular penthouse.
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When it opened in 1988, it became an instant magnet for the famous. We're talking Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Steffi Graf. Even David Bowie and Iman lived there. It was the ultimate "if you know, you know" building. It offered privacy that new glass towers simply couldn't provide. The walls are thick. The history is heavy. It feels solid in a way that modern construction doesn't.
What It’s Like Inside Today
If you’re lucky enough to get past the gate, the first thing you notice is the lobby. It’s still palatial. There’s marble everywhere. The coffered ceilings make you feel small. It doesn't feel like a home; it feels like a museum where people happen to sleep.
The layouts are famously "quirky." Because the architects had to work within the existing shell of a 1909 government building, no two units are really the same. Some apartments have circular rooms. Others have original wood paneling from the Commissioner's office.
- The Dome Penthouse: This is the crown jewel. It includes the space under that green copper dome. It has 360-degree views of the city.
- The Gymnasium: A massive space that was converted into a residence with soaring ceilings that most people can only dream of in Manhattan.
- The Cellar: Even the basement levels were converted, often featuring exposed brick and a cooler, loft-like vibe.
The Reality of Living in a Landmark
Let's be real: living in the Police Building NYC isn't for everyone, even if you have the millions required to buy in. It’s a co-op, not a condo. That means the board is notoriously tough. They want to know everything about your finances, your history, and probably your blood type.
Then there’s the maintenance. Maintaining a building from 1909 is expensive. The copper on the dome needs care. The limestone needs cleaning. The plumbing in a converted building can be... temperamental.
But for the people who live there, the trade-off is the soul of the place. You aren't just buying square footage; you’re buying a piece of NYC lore. You’re living in the same halls where Teddy Roosevelt (who was Police Commissioner before the building was finished, but the department still bears his imprint) would have walked.
Common Misconceptions
People often think the building is a hotel. It’s not. It’s strictly residential. You also can't just walk in for a tour. It’s one of the most private buildings in the city.
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Another big one? People think the jail cells are still there. Most of the internal "police" structures were gutted during the 80s renovation. While some units might have a stray architectural detail that hints at its past, you aren't sleeping in a cell block. The transformation was total.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
In a city that is constantly tearing itself down to build taller, shinier, and thinner towers, the Police Building NYC stands as a reminder of a different era. It represents a time when civic architecture was meant to inspire awe.
It’s also a case study in successful adaptive reuse. It proved that you could take a specialized, decaying government building and turn it into a profitable, desirable piece of the urban fabric without destroying its character.
For the neighborhood, it's an anchor. Bordered by Soho, Little Italy, and Chinatown, it sits at a crossroads of cultures. It’s a quiet, dignified presence amidst the chaos of downtown tourism.
How to Experience the Building Without a Key
Since you can't exactly knock on the door and ask to see the dome, here is how you can actually appreciate this landmark:
- The Architecture Walk: Start at the corner of Centre and Grand. Look up at the statues on the facade. They represent the five boroughs. Notice the clock—it was restored to keep perfect time.
- The Evening Glow: The building is beautifully lit at night. The way the light hits the limestone gives it a ghostly, golden glow that is much more dramatic than during the day.
- Research the Archives: If you're a history nerd, the NYC Municipal Archives holds the original blueprints and photos of the building when it was a functioning precinct. Seeing the "Lineup" room in an old photo compared to what the lobby looks like now is a trip.
- Real Estate Browsing: Honestly, just keep an eye on StreetEasy. Every once in a while, a unit goes on the market. The listing photos are the only way most of us will ever see the inside of the apartments. Look for the "Gymnasium Apartment" or the "Penthouse" listings to see the scale of the conversion.
If you are looking to move into a piece of history, be prepared for the co-op board interview. It is famously rigorous. Make sure your finances are transparent and your appreciation for 1900s Baroque architecture is genuine.
The Police Building NYC isn't just a place to live; it's a responsibility to a piece of New York's skyline. Whether you’re an architecture buff or just a fan of "Blue Bloods" style history, 240 Centre Street remains the gold standard for what a second act can look like for a city landmark.
Next time you’re in Lower Manhattan, take a minute. Stand across the street. Look at that dome. It’s a reminder that even the most rigid institutions can turn into something entirely unexpected.