Inside the Old American Splendor of the Harvard Club of NYC [Photos]

Harvard Hall at the Harvard Club of NY

Since we recently went behind-the-scenes at the Yale Club of NYC, we thought it would be only fitting to also bring you to the members-only club of its long-time rival, Harvard. The Harvard Club of New York was founded in 1865 by alumni, but its Midtown location wasn’t built until 1894. Esteemed architect Charles McKim of McKim, Mead & White, who was a club member himself, designed the original wing at 27 West 44th Street as a gift. With its neo-Georgian facade of brick and classical columns, and the large Harvard flag hanging out front, the building is pretty hard to miss.

The Harvard Club of NYC is also located in close proximity to many of the private clubs in New York City of this era, including the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, The Century Club and The Yacht Club.

Here is the main dining room, from the balcony:

Inside the Club Library:

Old phone booths on the ground floor:

The original lobby:

A unique door leading to the overnight rooms:

A lounge in front of one of the several bars—note the zebra print chairs!

There’s also a 23,000 square foot athletic facility, that includes seven squash courts. Many of the elements shown here were built over time—Harvard Hall, the library, and guest rooms in 1905, the main dining hall in 1915 along with a 7-story tower. The swimming pool, known as the Plunge, was covered over during World War II to create dormitory space. The Harvard Club of NY was one of the first to be landmarked in New York City, in 1966.  A more recent renovation took place in 2003 in a modern style which added an additional 40,0000 square feet. , In the works is a rooftop bar and terrace—the architectural renderings can be viewed from the lobby of the club.

Get in touch with the author @untappedmich.