THEN

Kolping House was built as part of an international network of Catholic Worker’s Clubs, offering skilled journeymen temporary housing.The Society was founded in Germany by Adolph Kolping in the 1840s and a New York branch was established in 1888. This vaguely medieval building was financed by the Society of Catholic Mechanics and designed by Karl Otto (of the architectural firm Daus & Otto) in 1913-14. Comparable to a YMCA, it was described as “an honest effort to contribute its share towards improving the lot of the working class by offering laborers a comfortable home, good board at a reasonable price, wholesome entertainment, and also instruction and inspiration for self-education.” Kolping House continues to offer inexpensive lodgings to students, interns, and other short-term visitors to New York City.