In the early 1880s, W.K. Vanderbilt (grandson of Cornelius) and his wife, Alva, moved into this French Renaissance–style mansion on pristine Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street, near where various Vanderbilts had also constructed luxe gilded-age houses.
Alva, who later became a prominent suffragist, helped architect Richard Morris Hunt (he also designed the facade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art) plan it out. She was determined to make her mark on New York’s movers and shakers.
Her efforts probably paid off. It’s a pretty impressive home.
Sold in 1926 to a real-estate developer, the mansion was demolished and replaced by—no surprise—an office building.
Tags: 660 Fifth Avenue, Alva Vanderbilt, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Richard Morris Hunt, Vanderbilt Mansion, W.K. Vanderbilt
April 23, 2009 at 4:30 am |
[...] Ephemeral New York recalls a French chateau on Fifth Avenue. [...]
June 7, 2009 at 2:00 pm |
I am a student of Beaux-Arts Architecture and I thoroughly enjoy all of Richard Morris Hunt’s work. I was wondering if you had any more information about the Alva Vanderbilt NY Chateau (which Hunt designed)? I would certainly like to read more. I have the book, “The Vanderbilts and the Gilded Age: Vanderbilt Houses”. Do you know of any sites or locations where I may find more material about Richard Morris Hunt’s work (especially this one house)?
Thank you,
Stephan C. Drew
July 9, 2009 at 2:14 am |
My great grandmother ..I believe was the chief cook for the Vanderbilts at their 660 5th Ave home. Can anyone validate this? Her name was Bridigit Nee Boylan.
July 10, 2009 at 5:37 pm |
Just wanted to tell you all know how much I appreciate your postings guys.
Found you though google!