Buckingham Hotel (New York NY) records and drawings, 1874-1875

Collection context

Creator:
Kemp, George, 1831-1898 and William Field and Son
Extent:
0.1 linear foot
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This small collection consists of 11 drawings, work receipts, bills, specifications, printed material, and a some correspondence and legal papers related to the erection of The Buckingham Hotel.

Biographical / historical:

The Buckingham Hotel opened in January 1876 on the southeast corner of 55th Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City. At the time of opening, the hotel's location was noted as "one which in a short time will be the very centre of business and most desirable for merchants going and coming and especially a pleasant home for families." The Buckingham Hotel was one of many new hotels being built on or near Fifth Avenue at the time. Owner, George Kemp, a wealthy wholesale druggist and owner of many valuable New York buildings commissioned the Architect William Field and Son to design the select family hotel. The hotel stood for almost half a century before business eventually crept up Fifth Avenue. In 1920, Saks & Co. leased the property from the George Kemp Realty Company. In 1922, Saks & Co. demolished The Buckingham Hotel and the adjoining Democratic Club and the Belgravia Apartments to make way for their new store, which opened in September 1924.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.

Location of this collection:
300 Avery Hall
1172 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
Contact:
avery-drawings@columbia.edu