The Visiting List

All built environments are made up of more than just houses. From government buildings, to shops, to recreational facilities, we are surrounded by structures to provide for the support of our houses and lives. In this blog I will investigate some of these other buildings as well. At the beginning of the 20th century, horses were still a major part of American life, not just for transportation, but also for recreation. And in many cities, facilities for recreational were built in proximity to public parks where riders could access the bridle paths which were laid out for their use. Founded in 1881 as the Gentlemen's Riding Club at the old Dickel Riding School at Fifth Avenue and 39th Street, its name was changed in 1883 to the Riding Club. Soon after its 1883 re-organization, the club too possession of a new $60,000 clubhouse on 58th Street nearby Central Park. When this clubhouse was built, the private entrance was on 58th street, and the entrance for riders was on 59th street.

Continuing our look at the houses of Fifth Avenue, we have another early 20th century residence opposite Central Park. Built by speculators John T. and James A. Farley between 1900 and 1901 on a 25' x100' lot, 991 Fifth Avenue was designed by James R. Turner and William G. Killian. This five story Beaux-Arts style house with American basement, features a rusticated limestone base, with the first three floors bowed out creating a stone-balustraded balcony on the fourth floor. This bowed feature allowed for additional light to flood the house not only from the west, but also the north and south. Ruddy-colored brick, with carved limestone detailing is used for the exterior of these three floors. The house is finished with a dramatic slate mansard roof with three elegant copper-clad dormers. In May 1901, the house was purchased by Mrs. Edward King (Mary Augustus LeRoy), widow of Mr. Edward King, for $225,000. Mrs. King also maintained a house in Newport and was a member of th

As a center for most things, excepting politics for the latter half of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century in America, it sems appropriate to begin in New York. And while little residential architecture of that period upon which I choose to focus survives in New York, a few pieces survive here and there. This is one of the few survivors. Following a deadly fire on April 7, 1899, which killed thirteen, the red brick and brownstone trimmed, four story Queen Anne style house which was originally built at  854 Fifth Avenue  in 1867, lay in ruins until it was sold on May 25, 1903,  to Robert Livingston “Livie” Beeckman for $317,000.     On October 15 th of that same year, Warren & Wetmore filled plans for new five story Beaux-Arts style residence with an English basement for Beeckman, which was to cost $60,000, with New York City Building Department on the 30'5" by 120' lot. The house was completed in 1905.   Beeckman, was a New York stockbroker w

This blog is something which has been in the works in various forms for quite a few years, but in the last year has begun to take a shape which we’re ready to finally unveil. It is hoped that this series of posts on the residential and private club architecture from 1865 to 1940, and in some cases posts about the shops and businesses which supported them, will shed a light on a world which has changed greatly, but at one time employed many for its very existence. Most will be buildings which still stand today, though occasionally one lost to fire, collapse, or “progress” will appear. Some will be in pristine condition, restored to their original appearance, some will have been allowed to decay but still have potential for rebirth, and some will have been “saved” and modernized with the loss of much of their original character lost. We hope that you enjoy the posts which will follow in “The Visiting List”…