Holland Plaza Building

Amidst the urban tapestry of New York City, the Holland Plaza Building stands as a silent witness to a bygone era. The Holland Plaza Building, now known as One Hudson Square, rises 18 stories tall. It occupies an entire block, bordered by Canal, Varick, and Watts Streets. This imposing structure, designed by the renowned architect Ely Jacques Kahn, echoes the neighborhood’s rich history. The Holland Plaza Building was completed in 1930. It was commissioned by Abe Adelson and financed by the New York Investing Company. The land belonged to Trinity Church. The building’s location, across from the Holland Tunnel entrance, cemented its importance in the burgeoning transportation hub. The Holland Plaza Building’s story intertwines with the rise of Hudson Square as a printing district. In the early 20th century, Hudson Square pulsed with the rhythm of printing presses. The Holland Plaza Building became a haven for businesses tied to this industry. Among its tenants were the Macmillan Company, American Book Bindery, and the Royal Typewriter Company. Even Leo Alexander & Co., a distributor of farm trucks and tractors, recognized the building’s prime location, leasing a showroom there in 1931. This illustrates the diverse businesses drawn to the Holland Plaza Building. In 1933, the New York Investing Company sold the Holland Plaza Building to the Lortay Corporation for over $5 million. This was a significant sum at the time, indicating the building’s value. The Holland Plaza Building’s design reflects Kahn’s modernist approach. Its almost triangular lot posed a unique challenge. Kahn masterfully used the building’s numerous windows to create an organized pattern on the expansive façade. This showcases his skill in blending functionality with aesthetics. Today, the upper floors of the Holland Plaza Building serve as office spaces. The ground floor houses the Jackie Robinson Museum, opened in 2022. This museum celebrates the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson, baseball’s first African American Major League player. The Holland Plaza Building stands not only as a testament to Hudson Square’s industrial past but also as a vibrant part of its present. In 2013, the Holland Plaza Building received landmark status, solidifying its place in New York City’s architectural heritage.