Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Montauk Club


I've often passed an unusual looking building in Brooklyn (near Grand Army Plaza) that always made me wonder about its origins. It is very ornate on the outside with gargoyles and a lot of stone carving. I took a photo recently and decided to look into it. It turns out it is a social club called the Montauk Club. Here is a description from their website www.montaukclub.com

The Montauk Club has been a private club since it was founded in 1889. The magnificent Club House was designed by architect Francis H. Kimball, who was inspired by a palace on Venice’s Grand Canal. The Club House was completed in 1891 and its Venetian gothic architecture, carved mahogany woodwork and beautiful stained glass windows remain its signature features. Today, the Club is a vibrant part of its Park Slope, Brooklyn neighborhood. Members organize a variety of events year-round.

Now I just have to get inside sometime!

11 comments:

• Eliane • said...

That building is so pretty. I really don't want to be a party pooper (sp?) but you might be disappointed by the interiors. Last winter, I peeked inside: the building needs some serious renovation. I think there is a company occupying the basement. Some rooms are rented for functions to the club members. And the ballroom was filled with matrasses and balloons: it serves as a playground/gym for kids (as a way to make some money). I had a such glamorous picture of it. You can still use your imagination but...

Ming the Merciless said...

What a beautiful building!?!? It does look somewhat like the architecture in Venice.

MissB, you should lead a group outing to Brooklyn. I haven't been to the flea market yet. *hint hint*

Blue Wave 707 said...

Interesting architecture & shot.

Dave said...

With a facade like that, the trees and the sun you could well be in Italy. Yes you must get inside, especially if they have a party there.

Olivier said...

l'architecture est superbe, elle fait penser a un vieux cloƮtre.

the architecture is beautiful, she thought is an old monastery.

Wayfaring Wanderer said...

Very neat looking architecture you found there!

Anonymous said...

Yes, you should have a look inside, even if Eliane says it is not what it once was. I'm sure you might find someone, who knows someone, to give you the Grand Tour, being it is Venice, after all!

Saretta said...

Yes! It looks very Venetian. Unusual in NY!

Alexa said...

This is in my neighborhood, and I love it, even though it HAS seen better days (or maybe even because of that). Went to a party there a few years ago, held in a 2nd-floor room with gorgeous windows and a balcony. I believe they've turned part of the building (on the left as you face it) into apartments. I'd really like to see those.

marley said...

It does look very European. I can see the influences. It is stunning, loads of details. You'll have to look inside to see if Eliane is right.

Janet Kincaid said...

Wow! Look at the detail on that building. It's gorgeous! Why don't we build buildings like this anymore?