History and architecture
The restrained elegance of this distinguished house, built in 1909-11, is a simplified expression of French Beaux-Arts Classicism. The architects, S. B. Parkman Trowbridge and Goodhue Livingston, were the senior members of the popular New York City architectural firm of Trowbridge & Livingston early in the 20th century.
The area in which the house is located acquired the name "Carnegie Hill" soon after Andrew Carnegie erected his mansion at Fifth Avenue and 91st Street at the turn of the century. Although middle-class residences had been built in the area in the 1880s and 1890s, Carnegie's move uptown inspired other well-to-do business and professional people to also build here. Trevor purchased the property for his house from Carnegie in February 1909. In June of that year he married Caroline M. Wilmerding. The newlyweds lived with Trevor's mother and sister Emily at 21 East 37th Street until their own house was completed in 1911. Emily moved into a house at 15 East 90th Street some twenty years later. Mrs. Trevor still lives at 11 East 91st Street, and her son, John B. Trevor, Jr., lives at 15 East 90th Street, also a designated Landmark.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.