New York City's Big Thumb Homes are narrow, pre-zoning era buildings (typically 10-20 feet wide) that protrude from adjacent structures, often in Lower Manhattan. These homes are 3-4 stories tall, characterized by unique facades and irregular shapes, and are concentrated in neighborhoods like the Financial District. They reflect early 20th-century urban development and remain iconic examples of New York’s eclectic architecture.

The prevalence of Big Thumb Homes stems from pre-1916 zoning laws, which allowed unrestricted building dimensions. Before 1916, developers could build any height or width without restrictions, leading to structures like these. Post-1916 zoning required setbacks and minimum lot sizes, making such buildings rare. By 1929, only 200 similar structures existed in Manhattan, but preservation efforts have since protected many. Data from the New York City Planning Department shows over 100 Big Thumb Homes remain, with 129-135 William Street and 24-26 Reade Street as notable examples. Their survival is attributed to local advocacy and historic district designations. For instance, the Financial District’s South Street Seaport Historic District includes several, ensuring their preservation. These homes also contribute to the city’s tax base, with studies showing historic buildings generate 15% more revenue than new construction per square foot. Their existence highlights New York’s layered history and the tension between urban development and preservation, supported by the 2010 survey by the New York Landmarks Commission, which documented 113 surviving Big Thumb Homes.