The New York herald., 1872-12-15
CENTRE MARKET.

Rebuilding Upper Stories-Levelling
Bunker Hill-Armorfes for National
Guard-Valuc OF City Property Fifty
Years Ago-Additions to the Market
Who Pays for the Alterations.
1t will be admitted, without question, that there
Is great room for Improvement in the markets OF
New York. In respect to these necessary public
accommodations the metropolis is far behind other
American cities. There is now in progress exten-
sive alterations in Centre Market, which, when
completed, will make 1t more substantial
and commodous than heretofore. Since the
appointment OF Colonel Thomas L. Devoe, as sur
perintendent many changes for the better have
been introduced, not only in Centre, but in other
marts from which citizens are supplied with beef,
fowl. vegetables, fruit, &c. Greater attention is
given to cleanliness, and the sweepers are obliged
to be constantly on hand to clear away garbage
that accumulates In front OF the stands. At
present Centre Market cannot show an orderly
and neat appearance in consequence OF the
presence Of mechanics and laborers who are en-
ployed in making the alterations, but in few
weeks, 1t is expected. matters will wear a better
aspect.
LEASE OF THE MARKET.
short time since Centre Market was leased by
the city to william Lalor for five years. portion
OF the upper part, second story, was used as an
armory by the Eighth regiment OF the National
Guard up to few years SINCE when it had to be
abandoned by reason OF the floor growing inse-
cure and dangerous. Since then 1t has been Occa-
sionally employed as drilroom for the police. It
appears that the Supervisors were unable to find
suitable armory for the Eleventh regiment, and
finally agreed to lease back from Mr.. Lalor
part OF the building, to be used for
that purpose. Accordingly the upper story has
been taken down and is now in course OF recon.
struction In q thoroughly substantial manner.
Work was commenced lew months ago. The old
walls and floors were removed, running about one
half fronting on Centre Market place, Grand street
and Centre street, including the walls OF the first
story on the latter thoroughfare. The general ap-
pearance OF the exterior will be preserved, but In
side iron pillars and grders to be placed to give
additional I support to the noor @ The stalls will
property OF the city. There has been some delay
occasloned by the horse disease and q
ence has resulted to the occupants OF stands. Rain
has descended through the open roof but Sheds
when Coonel De voc onered TO erect outside for
sary by the parties engaged in business in the mar
ket The alterations will be completed on the lst
OF January, when the Eleventh regiment will take
possession. II Is understood that Immediately
alter the remaining portion OF the old second story
VIII be taken down and rebuilt to correspond with
the WORK now in progress. 1t Will then be leased
to the city as an armory for the Filth regiment
National Guard.
The history OF Centre Market dates back to 1872
when the neighbornood OF Broome and Orchard
-
ositiOn was made to establish market in that To-
cality. The ground was very high fully one hum
dred feet above the level Of Grand street 1t was
known as bunker Hill,n and mere stand was
made and a temporary fortifcation erected by the
Revolutionary troops when retiring before the
British in 1s76. The earth was subsequently re.
moved and the question OF erecting a market be-
came an absorbing topic. II was urged by the in
habitants OF the Sixth, Eighth and Tenth wards
who pettioned the Common Council July "a 1917,
in favor OF the project. On the 25th August following
q committee reported In favor OF purchasing the
necessary ground bounded by Orange, Ryndcrs
(Centre), Grand and Br00me streets. The owner
agreed 10 sell Tor $4,000 Oh condition that t was al
ways TO be used for public market PURPOSES The
committee also proposed to build market house
measuring 80 feet by 25 feet, running along Grand
street, at an estimated cost OF 81 200. THIS was
accepted and passed by both boards The build
ing, when completed, was called Centre Market as
being centrally located. IL was Immediately occu-
pied by the butchers doing business in Collect Mar
kct-a very deep pond OF water In the vicinity Of
the present site Of the Tombs being known by the
name OF the Collect.
THE PRESENT BUILDING.
~ opened with a good business, which went on
increasing until July, 1922, when an addition ex-
tending sevcnty-nve feet was made TO accornmc
date country people and fishermen. The old ma
terial The Ply Market that stood at the foot OF
Maiden lane was used for this purpose In 1888
the present building was erected An appro
priaticn OF $4,000 was made Tor the structure
but the proposals accepted called Tor only $40 500
IN January following The building waS ready