Bell Telephone Laboratories
Also known as: Westbeth
Why it's listed
Rising thirteen stories on West Street at the edge of Greenwich Village, this buff brick and terra-cotta building was constructed in 1896-1898 to house Western Electric's laboratories. From 1898 to 1966 it served as the home of Bell Telephone Laboratories, which brought together the research and development work of the Bell System under one roof by 1907. Work associated with the laboratories included high fidelity recording, sound motion pictures, television transmission, the digital computer, the transistor, and lasers. The nomination presents the laboratory as a pioneer of industrial research, showing the close link between science, technology, and corporate growth. The building's design is described as standard factory construction of no major architectural significance. After the laboratories moved to New Jersey, the structure was bought in 1967 and converted by architect Richard Meier into 383 studio-type living and working units for artists. The exterior remains unchanged, while the interior now holds apartments, a dance studio, and commercial spaces.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building was home to Bell Telephone Laboratories from 1898 to 1966, a pioneering industrial research institution. The lab's work, including sound motion pictures, television transmission, the transistor, and lasers, shaped telecommunications and the role of industrial research in American science. The building itself is described as having no major architectural significance.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 75001202, listed May 15, 1975. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 463 West St., New York |
|---|---|
| County | Manhattan |
| Listed | May 15, 1975 |
| Reference number | 75001202 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900- |
| Areas of significance | Science |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated May 15, 1975 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Exterior unchanged from the laboratory years; the interior was converted in 1967-1969 into 383 studio-type living and working units, a dance studio, and commercial facilities. Marked occupied and used as private residence and commercial space. |
| Acreage | 3 |
| Coordinates | 40.73658, -74.00904 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 75001202.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4883200
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.