A grand porte-cochere welcomes you to The Clebourne. This isn’t just any building. This is a piece of Upper West Side history. The Clebourne at 924 West End Avenue stands proudly. It’s a testament to New York City’s enduring spirit.
The Clebourne’s story begins long before its 1913 construction. The land was once home to two very different 19th-century New Yorkers. One was Matthew Brennan a sheriff during Boss Tweed’s reign. Brennan’s Italianate-style house stood here. He was later jailed for dereliction of duty. Then came Isidor Straus a Macy’s co-owner. He and his wife Ida purchased Brennan’s home in 1883. Their family lived surrounded by apple orchards and a small baseball field. Sadly both perished on the Titanic. Their deaths prompted the creation of Straus Park nearby a poignant memorial to their lives.
After the Strauses’ passing the family sold the property. Harry Schiff a real estate developer had ambitious plans. He commissioned Schwartz and Gross to design a 13-story apartment building. The Clebourne as it became known is considered one of their finest. Its distinctive porte-cochere and carved second-story panels stand out. Schiff’s financial troubles forced a quick sale to a partner of Andrew Carnegie.
The Clebourne was a luxurious residence. Advertisements in The Sun boasted of six to ten-room suites with multiple baths. The building featured a roof garden and an enclosed driveway. Even the smallest apartments were enormous. Rents ranged from $1500 to $1800 per year quite a sum in 1913.
The Clebourne continues to attract notable residents. Estelle Parsons a celebrated actress and Andy Borowitz a well-known comedian both call it home. The building has also housed other prominent figures. Madeline L’Engle author of A Wrinkle in Time lived here for nearly 50 years. The building even had a jazz club Birdland occupying its commercial space for a decade.
The Clebourne is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to New York City’s vibrant past and its continuing legacy. Its elegant design and illustrious residents underscore its place among the city’s most distinguished buildings. The Clebourne’s story is one of contrasts. From a scoundrel’s mansion to a Titanic tragedy to a luxury apartment building it embodies the city’s ever-evolving character. This iconic building stands as a symbol of New York’s enduring charm.