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Agency Testimony

Herman describes Keeley's Romanesque Revival facade redesign for St. Mary's

New York City Council · Jul 9, 2026 · starts 0:20:46 · 50 sec

Herman details architect Patrick Charles Keeley's career designing nearly 600 churches, his 1864 expansion of St. Mary's, and the Romanesque Revival facade with double towers in red brick and brownstone, noting it is Keeley's first NYC individual landmark.

Margaret Herman

The parish thrived and in 1864 engaged Irish-born architect Patrick Charles Keeley to expand the church and update its facade.

Margaret Herman

Over the course of his career, Keeley designed nearly 600 churches in the United States.

Margaret Herman

St.

Margaret Herman

Mary's is the first individual New York City landmark designed by Keeley.

Margaret Herman

Next slide.

Margaret Herman

Keely's facade design for St.

Margaret Herman

Mary's, dominated by double towers, is executed in red brick with handsome brownstone details.

Margaret Herman

The church is a striking example of Romanesque revival architecture using the rounded arches that define the style.

Margaret Herman

Next slide.

Margaret Herman

The image on the right shows St.

Margaret Herman

Mary's looking from the rear along the now-gone Ridge Street.

Margaret Herman

While the front facade was remade, the fieldstone side facades from the Greek Revival-style original construction remain.

Margaret Herman

Next slide, please.