High Pumping Station

GENERAL
Structure/Property Name (Current and Original, if Different): High Pumping Station
Street Address/Location: Jerome Ave, south of Mosholu Parkway
Town/City: Bronx
County: Bronx
Owner: City of New York, Division of Real Property

STRUCTURE/PROPERTY
Architect/Engineer/Other Responsible Parties: George W. Birdsall
Historic Use:  High Powered Pumping Service
Present Use: Industrial
Typology: Pumping Station
Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
Period(s) of Construction: 1901-1906
Date of Decommissioning: N/A
Date(s) of Demolition: N/A
Structural System/Materials: Brick, slate
Significant Alterations: Original tall thin tower removed

Brief Architectural Description:
The High Pumping Station is a high powered service station that is located in the northwest section of the Bronx, close to the Jerome Park Reservoir which it serves. The pumping station is a rectangular red brick building topped by a steeply pitched slate-sheated roof. The east and west elevations are divided into a series of bays; each bay consists of two arched windows flanked by shallow brick buttresses. The north and south gable ends of the pumping station continue the double-arched rhythm formed on the east and west facade.

Brief Statement of Historic Significance:
The High Pumping Station was built to pump water from the Jerome Park Reservoir to most areas of the Bronx. The station is of great historic significance to the Bronx and its development because its presence made it possible to pump water supply to reach the upper floors of multi-storied structures. This help0ed proliferate the development of the Bronx during the early decades of the 20th century. The High Pumping Station is also a distinctive example of the Romanesque Revival style as applied to a utilitarian structure.

INTERPRETATION
Accessibility to Public: Not accessible to Public
Landmark Status: National Register of Historic Places (1983)
Threats: Unknown
Current Interpretation: Unknown

MISCELLANEOUS

SOURCES
National Register of Historic Places, 1983
Landmarks Preservation Commission Nomination, LP-1080, 1981

FICHE PREPARED BY:Ayana S. John