Paterson City Hall is one of New Jersey’s finest examples of Beaux-Arts civic architecture. Located at 155 Market Street in downtown Paterson, it occupies the block bounded by Market, Washington, Ellison, and Colt Streets. The building was completed in 1896 as part of the city’s centennial celebration and was designed by the renowned New York architectural firm Carrère and Hastings, later famous for designing the New York Public Library. It was modeled after the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) in Lyon, France, a fitting tribute to Paterson’s prominence as America’s Silk City.
Architecture
The building is constructed in the Beaux-Arts style, featuring:
- A grand symmetrical façade of limestone and brick
- Classical columns and pilasters
- Ornate carved stonework
- A monumental central entrance
- Decorative interior marble staircases
- Historic stained-glass windows
- An impressive City Council Chamber
Its design reflected Paterson’s prosperity during the late nineteenth century, when it was one of the nation’s leading industrial centers.
The Great Fire of 1902
When the Great Paterson Fire swept through downtown in February 1902, much of the business district was destroyed.
City Hall survived structurally, although its interior was heavily damaged by fire. During reconstruction, municipal offices were temporarily relocated to several buildings throughout the city, including:
- The Passaic County Courthouse
- The Post Office
- The Entre Nous Lyceum
- First Presbyterian Church
- Other temporary offices
The building was restored and continued serving as Paterson’s seat of government.
Statues on the Plaza
Three bronze statues stand along the Market Street frontage honoring important figures in Paterson history:
- Nathan Barnert – Industrialist, philanthropist, and two-term mayor
- Dr. Andrew McBride – Three-term mayor and physician
- Garret A. Hobart – Paterson attorney, political leader, and 24th Vice President of the United States under President William McKinley
These monuments were added to commemorate individuals who helped shape the city’s political and civic life.
Historic Designation
Paterson City Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 10, 1995, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. Preservation grants have funded restoration of its public spaces, stained glass, entrance doors, and exterior statuary.
Earlier City Hall
Before the present building, Paterson’s first City Hall occupied the former Peter Colt residence, built in 1813. The city purchased the building in 1869, adding a new ground floor after Washington Street was cut through the property. That building served as City Hall until the present structure opened and was later destroyed in the 1902 fire.
Interesting Facts
- Built: 1896
- Architect: Carrère and Hastings
- Style: Beaux-Arts
- Modeled after: Hôtel de Ville, Lyon, France
- Address: 155 Market Street, Paterson, NJ
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places: 1995
- Still serves as Paterson’s City Hall today.
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