Journey back to the 1860s. Here in Manhattan hidden between Third and Lexington Avenues lies a secret alley called Sniffen Court Historic District. It is a whisper of old New York.
Sniffen Court Historic District is one of New York City’s smallest historic districts. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era. Imagine horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping along this very mews.
This close-ended alley has ten two-story brick stables. They were built in 1863 and 1864. The style is early Romanesque Revival. It is a unique architectural style.
Sniffen Court may be named after John Sniffen. He was a local builder. The New York Times could not confirm this.
As the need for carriage houses declined the stables were converted. They found new life as homes and studios. This transformation preserved the charm of Sniffen Court Historic District.
In 1918 the Amateur Comedy Club bought two stables. These are numbers 1 and 3. The club has been here since 1884. They still use it as their clubhouse and theater.
By 1966 one building was an architect’s office. The gabled building at number 2 was home to a noted architect. The rest were small private residences.
Two artists made their mark here. Sculptors Malvina Hoffman and Harriet Whitney Frishmuth had studios in Sniffen Court Historic District. You can see Hoffman’s sculpted plaques of Greek horsemen on the rear of the alley.
Cole Porter once owned 2 Sniffen Court and 4 Sniffen Court. He housed his boyfriend there discreetly. All this time, he was in residence at the Waldorf-Astoria.
In the 1930s author Pearl Buck lived in Hoffman’s former home. Comedian Professor Irwin Corey also owned a home here for many years. More recently model Claudia Schiffer, Lenny Kravitz, and Graham Norton have called Sniffen Court home.
Sniffen Court even made it onto The Doors’ album cover for “Strange Days”. It is a testament to the alley’s unique appeal.
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated Sniffen Court Historic District in 1966. In 1973 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. These designations protect this special place.
As you leave Sniffen Court Historic District think about its history. The clip-clop of horses is long gone. However, the charm of this hidden alley remains. It is a reminder of New York City’s rich and varied past.