History and architecture
Built in 1889-92 for J. Hampden Robb and his wife Cornelia Van Rensselaer Robb, this elegant and imposing structure is considered one of the finest urban residences designed by Stanford White of the prominent architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White and was one of the earliest Renaissance Revival townhouses by White.
Articulated by White with an exceptional command of proportion and design, the building is composed with simple cubic forms which contribute greatly to its monumental character. The handsome tawny-orange Roman iron-spot brick facing complements the color of the boldly modeled brownstone base and matching tan brick and terra-cotta ornament. The richly-textured facades are beautifully detailed with a wealth of Renaissance-inspired ornament for which White is so justly renowned. Other notable features include the double-story entrance porch with paired corner columns, the beautiful iron balustrades, balustraded roof parapets, and the two-story oriel on the East 35th Street facade.
A significant reminder of the history of Murray Hill as an elegant residential district, the Robb house was praised by architectural critic Russell Sturgis as "the most dignified structure in all that quarter of the town, not a palace, but the fit dwelling house for a first-rate citizen." J. Hampden Robb, was a retired businessman and civic leader, who had a distinguished career in public service as a legislator and New York City Parks Commissioner. Acquired by the Advertising Club in 1923, the house served as the organization's headquarters until 1977 and was a gathering place for advertising industry and media leaders as well as notable politicians, business leaders, and entertainers. Subsequently, it was converted into a cooperatively-owned apartment building, and it remains in that use.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.