12 East 53rd Street

Building in Manhattan, New York Edward S. Harkness House June 2021 Fisk–Harkness House 12 E53 St in 2021 jeh.jpg Seen from the north Facade of 12 East 53rd Street as seen from the north 1871 1904–1906 12 East 53rd Street, Manhattan, New York United States yes 40.7599 -73.9750 dms region:US-NY inline,title 6 Griffith Thomas Charles Moran (original house)Harvey and Mary Fisk (renovation) Dimitry Goncharov yes NYCL 2577 November 22, 2016 12 East 53rd Street, also the Fisk–Harkness House, is a building in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City, United States. It is along the south side of 53rd Street between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue. The six-story building was designed by Griffith Thomas and was constructed in 1871. It was redesigned in the Tudor-inspired Gothic Revival style in 1906 by Raleigh C. Gildersleeve. The house had originally been designed as a four-story brownstone townhouse with a stoop, a raised basement, and a flat roof behind a galvanized-iron cornice. The present appearance of the house is a limestone structure designed in the Tudor-inspired Gothic Revival style. The asymmetrical facade contains two vertical bays, with a large main entrance on the left (east) bay and a triangular dormer on the right (west) bay. The interior floors of Thomas's original design were substantially altered to allow the three middle stories to have tall ceilings. The house was constructed for banking executive Charles Moran as a rowhouse with a brownstone facade, and a rear extension was constructed in the 1880s. The house was remodeled for Harvey and Mary Fisk, who bought the house in 1905. The Fisks sold it four years later to William Harkness and his wife Edith Harkness, the latter of whom sold the house in 1923. The house was then used for commercial tenants including art dealer Proctor & Company, the Automobile Club of America, and art dealer Symons Galleries. The building was owned by LIM College from 1964 to 2024, when it was sold to obstetrician Dimitry Goncharov. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the house as an official landmark in 2010. Site 12 East 53rd Street is along the southern sidewalk of 53rd Street, between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue, in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City, United States. The land lot is slightly irregular and covers 4250 ft2, with a frontage of 37.5 ft and a maximum depth of 119.42 ft.12 East 53 Street, 10022 https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1288/63#16.23/40.760682/-73.973596 live March 20, 2020 New York City Department of City Planning https://web.archive.org/web/20210611195142/https://zola.planning.nyc.gov/l/lot/1/1288/63 June 11, 2021 October 24, 1909 New Fifty-third St. Home of William L. Harkness; Unique Plan Made Possible on Lot 119 Feet Deep -- House One of the Finest in Fifth Avenue Section. en-US XX2 The New York Times limited http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1909/10/24/106777818.pdf June 11, 2021 0362-4331 July 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210708021211/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1909/10/24/106777818.pdf live The western section of the house extends only 100 ft deep and is 12.5 ft wide, while the eastern section of the house extends the full depth and is 25 ft wide.October 23, 1909 Auction Sales of the Week https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_044&page=ldpd_7031148_044_00000785&no=1 The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide 84 743 columbia.edu 2171 June 14, 2021 June 12, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210612162557/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_044&page=ldpd_7031148_044_00000785&no=1 live The house is overhung by the adjacent office building at 510 Madison Avenue,Landmarks Preservation Commission 2011 . 6 finished in 2010.Gregor Alison February 1, 2011 Playing to Hedge Funds, a Trophy Rises in Midtown en-US The New York Times limited https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/realestate/commercial/02rents.html June 14, 2021 0362-4331 June 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210614231405/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/realestate/commercial/02rents.html live The house is across the street from Paley Park to the north and is on the same city block as the Omni Berkshire Place hotel to the southeast. Other nearby locations include 660 Fifth Avenue to the west; the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to the northwest; the William H. Moore House to the north; the DuMont Building and Hotel Elysée to the northeast; 488 Madison Avenue and the John Peirce Residence to the south; and the Olympic Tower, Cartier Building, and 647 Fifth Avenue to the southwest. Fifth Avenue between 42nd Street and Central Park South (59th Street) was relatively undeveloped through the late 19th century.June 23, 2009 John Peirce Residence http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2327.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20210610192640/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2327.pdf June 10, 2021 April 28, 2021 New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission 2 live The surrounding area was once part of the common lands of the city of New York.Stokes Isaac Newton Phelps 1915 The Iconography of Manhattan Island, 1498–1909 https://archive.org/details/iconographyofman06stok live https://web.archive.org/web/20120415060518/http://archive.org:80/details/iconographyofman06stok April 15, 2012 6 Robert H. Dodd 67 Internet Archive The Commissioners' Plan of 1811 established Manhattan's street grid with lots measuring 100 ft deep and 25 ft wide.558 Upscale residences were constructed around Fifth Avenue following the American Civil War.578 1880 The block of East 53rd Street from Fifth to Madison Avenues was only sporadically developed until the late 1870s, and it had brownstone residences by 1886.https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e2-098a-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99/book?parent=26a3f8e0-c5fa-012f-98b6-58d385a7bc34#page/21/mode/2up Atlas of the city of New York: embracing all territory within its corporate limits from official records, private plans & actual surveys 1885 E. Robinson & R.H. Pidgeon plate 21 June 11, 2021 NYPL Digital Collections June 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210611192951/https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e2-098a-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99/book?parent=26a3f8e0-c5fa-012f-98b6-58d385a7bc34#page/21/mode/2up live Landmarks Preservation Commission 2011 . 2 Architecture The house had originally been designed by Griffith Thomas, of the firm T. Thomas & Son, as a four-story brownstone townhouse with a stoop, raised basement, and a flat roof behind a galvanized-iron cornice. The present appearance of the house was designed by Raleigh Colston Gildersleeve for businessman Harvey Edward Fisk. The current house is six stories tall, with a limestone facade designed in the Tudor-inspired Gothic Revival style. The interior floors of Thomas's original design were substantially altered to allow the three middle stories to have tall ceilings. Facade thumb|alt=Main entrance to the house|View of the main entrance The building's 53rd Street facade is asymmetrical and is divided into two vertical bays.Landmarks Preservation Commission 2011 . 5 At ground level, the main entrance portal is a four-centered arch in the left bay, which includes a wood-and-metal double door. The main entrance is topped by a crocketed molding and flanked by stepped buttresses.Landmarks Preservation Commission 2011 . 5–6 The right bay contains a show window above a metal grille, which dates to a 1922 renovation. The far right portion of the facade has a secondary entrance with a metal-and-glass door. In the initial design, the house's entrance on a stoop slightly above ground. as in other rowhouses, and the stoop was placed on one side of the facade. The second through fourth stories generally contain leaded-glass windows as well as vertical stone mullions and horizontal stone transoms. On the second story, the eastern (left) bay is topped by tracery, while the western (right) bay contains a window inside a Tudor arch. The stone tracery, mullions, and transoms on the right bay of the second story have been removed. A flagpole projects from the center of the second story. On the third and fourth stories, the left bay has simpler windows than the right bay, which is placed within a two-story oriel window. The fifth story has a balustrade and balcony on the left bay, behind which is a flat copper roof and a dormer window. On the fifth story, the right bay has a gable with two dormer windows, above which is a parapet and crenellations; the right bay is topped by a pinnacle. The western and eastern facades are party walls that are painted to resemble the limestone facade; the western party wall has a chimney. Features thumb|alt=Upper stories and roof of the house|Top stories According to the New York City Department of City Planning, the building has a gross floor area of 18,934 ft2. The atypically deep lot allowed the construction of three deep rooms in the rear. The main floor had a large reception room in front, a large music room in the middle, and a dining room at the rear that was lit from all sides. The ceilings of these rooms were about as high as two stories of an average dwelling. The reception room probably had a staircase at the center. The house's other floors had similar high ceilings. The house as a whole was originally designed with Tudor-style furnishings to complement the exterior.Dolkart 2009 . 31Hewitt 1990 . 346 When the Fisk family occupied the house, it contained European artifacts such as tapestries, furniture, and paintings, which formed an atmosphere that historian Andrew Dolkart describes as "olde English".Dolkart 2009 . 35 These objects also served as a symbol of the Fisks' cultural tastes and wealth.Hewitt 1990 . 77 When the building was converted into a clubhouse for the Automobile Club of America in 1925, the second story was redesigned as a restaurant and the decorative ceiling was kept. The third floor was refitted as the lounge, library, card rooms, and a large sitting room. The fourth story was arranged with men's and women's baths, lockers, and dressing rooms. The basement had the general supply department; the main floors had the touring, supply, and map departments; and the upper stories had executive offices.April 26, 1925 Auto Club to Open New 6-story Home; Pioneer Motor Organization to Move on Tuesday to Fifth Avenue Club Centre en-US E1 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1925/04/26/107057507.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043051/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1925/04/26/107057507.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live The house was renovated into the showroom of art dealer Symons Galleries in 1938; tapestries, paintings, porcelains, bronze objects, Gothic art, and Renaissance jewelry were displayed in different rooms. One room with carved oak and a stone mantel was devoted to Jacobean culture, while another was devoted to French culture.May 1, 1938 Art Firm Moves; Symons Galleries Will Occupy New Home in 53d Street en-US 181 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1938/05/01/99542034.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043050/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1938/05/01/99542034.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live History Early history The site of 12 East 53rd Street was acquired in 1871 by Charles Moran, member of the banking firm Moran Brothers.August 10, 1895 Charles Moran's Will Filed 9 The New York Times newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79392088/charles-morans-will-filed/ June 11, 2021 0362-4331 June 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210611224156/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79392088/charles-morans-will-filed/ live In June 1871, he bought a lot on the south side of 53rd Street about 250 ft east of Fifth Avenue, with a frontage of 12.5 ft and a depth of 100 ft.June 17, 1871 Official Record of Conveyances: New York County https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031128_007&page=ldpd_7031128_007_00000297&no=9 The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide 7 302 columbia.edu 170 June 14, 2021 June 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210611224202/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031128_007&page=ldpd_7031128_007_00000297&no=9 live The next month, Moran acquired a lot immediately to the west, measuring 50 by 100 ft, and an adjacent lot at 11 East 52nd Street, measuring 25 by 100 ft.July 1, 1871 Official Record of Conveyances: New York County https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031128_007&page=ldpd_7031128_007_00000321&no=1 The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide 7 326 columbia.edu 172 June 14, 2021 June 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210611195156/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031128_007&page=ldpd_7031128_007_00000321&no=1 live Moran intended to use the lots along 52nd Street for his horse stables.Landmarks Preservation Commission 2011 . 7 Griffith Thomas was hired to design a four-story brownstone townhouse for Moran on 53rd Street. The house's site originally measured 37.5 by 100 ft. During the mid-1880s, the lot's depth was extended by 19 ft. This allowed the construction of a rear annex. left|thumb|alt=Facade of the house after it was redesigned for LIM College|Facade of the redesigned townhouse Moran died at his house in 1895 and bequeathed his estate to his widow Arabella and four children. The following March, Douglas Robinson & Co. sold Moran's 53rd Street house as well as his 52nd Street stables.March 25, 1896 In the Real Estate Field 15 The New York Times newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79393320/in-the-real-estate-field/ June 11, 2021 0362-4331 June 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210611224155/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79393320/in-the-real-estate-field/ live The house was then occupied by Walter G. Oakman. When the Oakman family lived in the house, it hosted events such as an annual meeting for the Society of Colonial Dames of the State of New York,April 6, 1897 Election by Colonial Dames 9 The New York Times newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79393544/election-by-colonial-dames/ June 11, 2021 0362-4331 June 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210611224155/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79393544/election-by-colonial-dames/ live as well as a discussion of political affairs in Crete.March 12, 1897 The Insurrection in Crete 5 New-York Tribune 574287585 The executors of the Moran estate sold the house in 1899.September 28, 1899 In the Real Estate Field; Few Private Sales -- an Eno Offering Repeated -- Important Transfers -- Auction Dealings. en-US 11 The New York Times limited http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1899/09/28/100452931.pdf June 11, 2021 0362-4331 July 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210708022933/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1899/09/28/100452931.pdf live Architecture firm Hert & Tallant filed plans for renovations in 1902, which were projected to cost $5,000.June 8, 1902 The Building Department.: List of Plans Failed for New Structures and Alterations. 21 The New York Times 0362-4331 96158432 Oakman was reported to have sold the house in May 1905.May 20, 1905 In the Real Estate Field; Purchase of Maiden Lane Property -- Other Deals for Small Parcels Downtown -- Broadway Loft Building Changes Hands -- Operators Take Jerome Avenue Lots. en-US 16 The New York Times limited http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1905/05/20/101960134.pdf June 11, 2021 0362-4331 July 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210708021221/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1905/05/20/101960134.pdf live May 20, 1905 South of 59th Street https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_035&page=ldpd_7031148_035_00001194&no=1 The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide 75 1118 columbia.edu 1940 June 14, 2021 June 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210611231950/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_035&page=ldpd_7031148_035_00001194&no=1 live Around the same time, the ownership of the house at 12 East 53rd Street and the stables at 11 East 52nd Street was split, and the lot line between the two buildings was shifted about 19 ft south. Fisk and Harkness residence Harvey Edward Fisk and his wife Mary Fisk were recorded in June 1905 as the new owners of the house.June 2, 1905 In the Real Estate Field; Philadelphia Operator Adds to His Times Square Holdings -- Upper Third Avenue Corners Sold -- New Building to Be Erected on Park Row -- Results at Auction. en-US 13 The New York Times limited http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1905/06/02/100487882.pdf June 11, 2021 0362-4331 July 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210708021223/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1905/06/02/100487882.pdf live They hired Raleigh Colston Gildersleeve to renovate the house extensively, as well as to design a country estate in Elberon, New Jersey.Landmarks Preservation Commission 2011 . 3 Plans for the renovation, projected to cost $25,000, were filed in November 1905. The improvements included extending the building forward by 8.5 ft; adding a story to the rear; and installing new stairs, an electric elevator, a new facade, and an interior structure.Landmarks Preservation Commission 2011 . 4November 18, 1905 South of 59th Street https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_036&page=ldpd_7031148_036_00000853&no=10 The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide 76 811 columbia.edu 1966 June 14, 2021 June 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210611231954/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_036&page=ldpd_7031148_036_00000853&no=10 live The facade was redesigned in the neo-Tudor style with Gothic design elements. Contracts for the work had not been awarded at the time.November 18, 1905 Estimates Receivable https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_036&page=ldpd_7031148_036_00000818&no=2 The Real Estate Record: Real Estate Record and Builders' Guide 76 776 columbia.edu 1966 June 14, 2021 June 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210611231958/https://rerecord.library.columbia.edu/document.php?vol=ldpd_7031148_036&page=ldpd_7031148_036_00000818&no=2 live Work started in January 1906 and was completed that August. The Fisk family lived in the house for only four years before they had to sell it to raise money. The building was sold in October 1909 to lawyer William L. Harkness, a cousin of Standard Oil executive Edward Harkness, along with William's wife Edith. The price was recorded as being either $375,000October 17, 1909 The Private Sales Market 14 New-York Tribune newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79395564/the-private-sales-market/ June 11, 2021 June 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210611231949/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79395564/the-private-sales-market/ live or $400,000. The New York Times described the building as "one of the finest residences in the Fifth Avenue section".October 17, 1909 W.L. Harkness Buyer of $400.000 Residence; Sale of Harvey E. Fisk's House at 12 East Fifty-Third Street -- Deal for New Apartments on the Heights. en-US R1 The New York Times limited http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1909/10/17/101040304.pdf June 11, 2021 0362-4331 July 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210708021927/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1909/10/17/101040304.pdf live The Harkness family hosted events at the house, including a fundraising benefit for a nurseryMarch 12, 1913 Social Notes 11 The New York Times newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79565107/social-notes/ June 14, 2021 0362-4331 June 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210614214629/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79565107/social-notes/ live and a debutante event for William and Edith's daughter Louise.December 8, 1916 Parties Given for Many Debutantes 7 New York Herald newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79565311/parties-given-for-many-debutantes/ June 14, 2021 June 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210614214629/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79565311/parties-given-for-many-debutantes/ live William Harkness died at his country house in Glen Cove, New York, in 1919.May 11, 1919 William L. Harkness Dies; Capitalist and Yachtsman a Victim of Heart Disease at Home en-US 21 The New York Times limited http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1919/05/11/96302217.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 July 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210708021226/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1919/05/11/96302217.pdf live He left half of his estate, including the 12 East 53rd Street house and the Glen Cove country house, to Edith. Their children Louise and William Hale Harkness received the other half of the estate.May 16, 1919 Harkness Estate Goes to Family 11 New York Herald newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79565690/harkness-estate-goes-to-family/ June 14, 2021 June 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210614214630/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79565690/harkness-estate-goes-to-family/ live April 10, 1921 $53,439,000 Estate of Wm.l. Harkness to Pay Tax Here; Large Owner in Standard Oil Company Declared Himself Resident of New York. en-US 1 The New York Times limited http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1921/04/10/98666724.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 July 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210708021209/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1921/04/10/98666724.pdf live Commercial uses thumb|alt=1925 image showing the house as the Automobile Club of America clubhouse|Depicted in 1925 as the Automobile Club of America clubhouse In November 1921, the 12 East 53rd Street house was sold to art dealer Proctor & Company.November 20, 1921 $400,000 Private Dwelling Sold en-US 110 The New York Times limited http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1921/11/20/107034414.pdf June 11, 2021 0362-4331 July 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210708021233/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1921/11/20/107034414.pdf live November 20, 1921 Mrs. William L. Harkness' Fine Home Taken for Trade A12 New-York Tribune newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79570789 576511707 June 14, 2021 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043049/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79570789/mrs-william-l-harkness-fine-home/ live Edith Harkness had been asking $400,000 for the property. Proctor & Company planned extensive alterations to the house before it moved in. Proctor & Company may have removed the original tracery and added a show window during this renovation. The company occupied 12 East 53rd Street for only two years before selling it in December 1923 to the Automobile Club of America, which planned to renovate the building into their clubhouse.December 11, 1923 Automobiles Club Gets Former Harkness Home 22 New-York Tribune 1237317117December 16, 1923 East Side Home for Automobile Club: Commercial Growth on Broadway and Eighth Avenue Below Columbus Circle Has Made Property Now Occupied Too Valuable for Garage Uses RE2 The New York Times 0362-4331 103159612 The Fisk–Harkness House had 28000 ft2, which represented an increase of 8000 ft2 over the club's existing space in the automobile district south of Columbus Circle.December 16, 1923 A.C.A's New Home For Club Purposes Only 20 The Standard Union newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79570968/acas-new-home-for-club-purposes-only/ June 14, 2021 June 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210614231603/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79570968/acas-new-home-for-club-purposes-only/ live Furthermore, 12 East 53rd Street was close to several other clubhouses along Fifth Avenue, including those of the University Club, Union Club, Calumet Club, Knickerbocker Club, and Metropolitan Club.Landmarks Preservation Commission 2011 . 9 The Automobile Club of America received a $190,000 mortgage on the building in early 1924.February 9, 1924 Private Dwelling Houses Taken Over by Operators and Investors 18 New-York Tribune 1222060580 After undergoing $100,000 worth of renovations,January 22, 1932 Automobile Club Is to Disband; Formed in 1899: Liquidation of Oldest Motorist Group in Country Due to Loss of Members A. A. A. Will Occupy Home Sponsored First Road Races, Shows and Traffic Rules 32 New York Herald Tribune 1221264385January 22, 1932 Automobile Club of America to Dissolve; Oldest Group of Kind Doomed by Depression en-US 1 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/01/22/100684852.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043050/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/01/22/100684852.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live the clubhouse was dedicated in April 1925.April 29, 1925 Reception in New Home Of Automobile Club: Governors Welcome Friends at 12 East Fifty-third Street 15 The New York Herald, New York Tribune 1112797059April 29, 1925 Automobile Club Opens New Home; President Woods Welcomes Members in Former Harkness Residence, 12 East 53d St. en-US 21 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1925/04/29/104172467.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043050/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1925/04/29/104172467.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live The clubhouse was among the locations where New York license plates were distributed.November 21, 1926 1927 License Plates for Autos Tomorrow; Motor Vehicle Bureau Announces Places in City Where They May Be Obtained. en-US 13 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1926/11/21/100010083.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043051/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1926/11/21/100010083.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live November 24, 1929 Issue to Begin Tomorrow of 1930 Car Tags: Plates for New Year May Be Attached to Automobiles on December 16 Many Stations in City Commissioner Harnett Seeks to Avoid Final Congestion B12 New York Herald Tribune 1111984994 Events hosted at the house included a luncheon with a League of Nations Non-Partisan Association official,February 25, 1928 World Court Step by Us Is Advocated; Adoption by Senate of Gillett Resolution Urged by League Association at Luncheon. en-US 6 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1928/02/25/109855308.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043051/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1928/02/25/109855308.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live an annual session of the National Highway Traffic Administration,May 1, 1926 Highway Men Fight Road Advertising; Traffic Association Opposes a Bill Allowing Business Signs on Danger Markers en-US 10 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1926/05/01/100071252.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043051/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1926/05/01/100071252.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live as well as bridge games and tea dances.January 6, 1928 Automobile Club Plans Tea-Dances. en-US S18 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1928/01/06/118335240.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043051/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1928/01/06/118335240.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live December 3, 1927 Bridge, Dance, for Union Hospital 15 New York Herald Tribune 1133111935 The club had a peak membership of 6,000, but following the Great Depression in the United States, several thousand members left the club. As a result, in January 1932, the Automobile Club's governors voted to dissolve the club. The building was placed for sale at a foreclosure auction that August,August 30, 1932 Many Auction Sales Planned 30 New York Herald Tribune 1221639783 and it was sold to the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York for $50,000.August 31, 1932 Benenson Holdings Bid in at Auction; Four Downtown Buildings Go to City Bank Farmers Trust for $1,500,000 en-US 31 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/08/31/100800999.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043052/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1932/08/31/100800999.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live 12 East 53rd Street might have been vacant for six years after the foreclosure sale. In August 1937, an apartment in the building was leased to Lucile Cody.August 18, 1937 Real Estate News in City and Suburbs: Large East Side Suite Is Leased By Mrs. Burkan Attorney's Widow to Live in Midtown Park Avenue Building; Other Renting 35 New York Herald Tribune 1246736600 The house was then leased in February 1938 to art dealer Symons Galleries Inc.February 9, 1938 Activities in Real Estate; Art Firm Leases 6-story Building en-US 36 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1938/02/09/96799308.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043052/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1938/02/09/96799308.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live The art dealer moved into the building that May after an extensive renovation. The stone mullions and transoms on the second-story window may have been removed during this time. By 1940, the upper floors were redesigned with apartments. The Mutual Life Insurance Company continued to own the building. The structures at 4 to 12 East 53rd Street, as well as the Frances Building at the southeast corner of 53rd Street and Fifth Avenue, were acquired in November 1943 by Robert W. Dowling of the City Investing Company.November 4, 1943 Dowling Buys Fifth Avenue Building Group: Frances Building in 53d St. and Adjoining Structures in $2,655,000 Deal 32 New York Herald Tribune 1267970474November 4, 1943 Plot Assembled on Fifth Avenue; Dowling Interests Get Large 53d Street Site, Including Frances Building en-US 37 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1943/11/04/83952214.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043052/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1943/11/04/83952214.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live Advertising agency Maxon Inc. purchased the building from Dowling in December 1948, intending to use the structure for its own offices.December 2, 1948 Advertising Co. Buys Building In East 53d St.: Maxon, Inc., Acquires Five-Story Structure for Its N.Y. Offices; Other Sales 34 New York Herald Tribune 1327198591December 2, 1948 Advertising Agency Buys Property on E. 53d St. en-US 52 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1948/12/02/96440024.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043053/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1948/12/02/96440024.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live Symons Galleries sold off its products in May 1949 in preparation for its relocation to smaller quarters.May 1, 1949 Gallery to Move; Stock Is Reduced; 600 Lots Offered by Symons -- French Cabinet Work Will Be Auctioned en-US 54 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1949/05/01/84266471.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043053/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1949/05/01/84266471.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live Maxon Inc. moved into 12 East 53rd Street in January 1950 while renovations were still ongoing.January 2, 1950 Agency Tacking Own Building en-US 38 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1950/01/02/89705216.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043053/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1950/01/02/89705216.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live Maxon Inc. continued to occupy the building until November 1964, when it sold the house to the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising, later LIM College. The college intended to renovate the building for its own use.November 16, 1964 Fred Hill Buying East Side House; Investor in Deal for 80th St. Mansion He Once Owned en-US 52 The New York Times subscription http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1964/11/16/97356637.pdf June 14, 2021 0362-4331 May 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220508043054/http://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1964/11/16/97356637.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false live LIM moved into the building afterward and continued to occupy it for the rest of the 20th century.Lockwood Lisa August 13, 2014 LIM College Celebrates 75 Years https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/lim-college-celebrates-75-years-7837083/ June 14, 2021 Women's Wear Daily June 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210614220124/https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/lim-college-celebrates-75-years-7837083/ live 12 East 53rd Street became known as "the Townhouse" when LIM occupied it.Our Campus & Location https://www.limcollege.edu/student-life/our-campus-location live https://web.archive.org/web/20210616232104/https://www.limcollege.edu/student-life/our-campus-location June 16, 2021 June 14, 2021 LIM College LIM continued to occupy the house even after buying other structures for its campus in the 2000s. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the building as a landmark in 2011.Landmarks Preservation Commission 2011 . 1Zimmer Amy June 28, 2011 Landmarks Approved From Bowery to Turtle Bay https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20110628/murray-hill-gramercy/landmarks-approved-from-bowery-turtle-bay June 11, 2021 DNAinfo New York June 11, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210611195154/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20110628/murray-hill-gramercy/landmarks-approved-from-bowery-turtle-bay/ dead In August 2024, LIM College sold the building for $11 million to the obstetrician Dimitry Goncharov.Cuba Julianne August 13, 2024 Pure OBGYN buys landmarked Midtown townhouse for $11M https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/pure-obgyn-founder-buys-12-e-53rd-st November 3, 2024 Crain's New York Business See also List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets References Citations Sources Dolkart Andrew The row house reborn : architecture and neighborhoods in New York City, 1908-1929 2009 Johns Hopkins University Press 978-0-8018-9158-8 Baltimore 270232002 June 28, 2011 Fisk–Harkness House http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2406.pdf New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission Landmarks Preservation Commission 2011 https://www.archive.org/details/architectamerica0000hewi registration Hewitt Mark A. The architect & the American country house, 1890-1940 1990 Yale University Press Richard, Cheek 0-300-04740-1 New Haven 20852257 Architecture New York City Category:1871 establishments in New York City Category:1906 establishments in New York City Category:1900s architecture in the United States Category:Midtown Manhattan Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan Category:Residential buildings completed in 1871 Category:Residential buildings completed in 1906 Category:Residential buildings in Manhattan Category:Harkness family