two-story barn-like structure stands at 203 East 29th Street, now three stories since it sits on a raised brick first floor. Does the "heavy-beam construction" continue down to, or more precise originate at,  grade, or is it tstrictly above the brick? Exterior is clapboard.  That in itself seems old for so down-town a location.  

 

A representation was made about 1990 that the heavy-beam construction of the barn, mortise-and-tenon connections Mortise and tenon framing continued on into the 1880's (my house in Summit, and rowhouses in Joisey City of the same period ) and very likely later, so I wouldn't place too much weight on the written description of the presence of mortises and tenon joinery.  and sawpit marks If accurately described, the sawpit marks could clinch the deal. on the wood indicate a date prior to 1820 and perhaps as early as 1790.  No "scientific" analysis, just eyeball. Worth a closer look.

 

Reactions, as to dating methodology? Gotta see it, or have it seen by somebody reliable, to believe it.  Can ya get me, or better yet, a bunch of us, in next weekend? I may be in visiting Squeezette. What else could be done to more closely date this peculiar building? Sanborn maps, but one would think you'd have tried those already.