130 East 80th. is a five-story, three-bay Neo-Adamesque building faced in French limestone laid in an ashlar pattern. It shares classical detailing with the two houses to the west. The entrance, two paneled doors surmounted by a fanlight, is sheltered by a small portico supported by Ionic columns. The window above echoes the fanlight with a blind arch, and on either side two-story Ionic pilasters support a full entablature with dentil course and four paterae. Above it a pediment with gently pitched slate roof runs the full width of the house.
Vincent Astor was just 20 years old in 1912 when the Titanic sunk. On board was Astor’s father, John Jacob Astor and his new wife, Madeleine, who was younger than Vincent. Through tragedy the young Harvard student became one of the richest men in the world, inheriting an estimated $200 million.
He commissioned a small townhouse. The architect he chose was Mott B. Schmidt and soon Schmidt submitted plans for an Adam-inspired townhouse with a floor plan designed for comfort.
Schmidt had established a reputation for working in 18th century styles. Now, giving a nod to Robert Adam’s elegant 1774 Society of Arts building in London, Schmidt designed a restrained neo-Classic residence constructed of imported Roche limestone, completed in 1928. its stone portico rested on two plain, Ionic pillars–echoed in the four two-story Ionic pilasters above. Simple but graceful iron fencing guarded the areaway. Schmidt, in foregoing elaborate ornamentation, achieved exquisite style.
Helen Astor was a staunch supporter of the musical arts and entertained often in the mansion, hosting charity teas for the Philharmonic and, in October 1938, giving a gala reception for Arturo Toscanini before he left New York for Europe.
With the Astors came other wealthy neighbors as three Georgian-style brick mansions abutted No. 130. Comparing the Astor mansion to these homes decades later, the AIA Guide to New York City said it was the “most subtle and most powerful of the 80th Street Quartet. Here brick Georgian gives way to travertine Regency. Taut Ionic pilasters, and an elegant relieving arch in the manner of the Brothers Adam. Schmidt was a winner.”
Entrance Hall Fireplace now covered.
The Dining Room on the Ground Floor
Second Floor Hall
The interiors would be comfortable although still designed for entertainment. The biggest room in the house was the living room which would on occasion double as the ballroom. During huge balls the entire second floor was opened up to create one massive ballroom.
The pine-paneled library carried on the English motif
Helen and Vincent Astor divorced in 1940. Before long Astor married Mary Benedict Cushing, best known as Minnie. Within two years he broke Astor tradition–after a century and a half of the family's accumulating property, Vincent began selling it. Among the properties he liquidated was the mansion at No. 130 East 80th Street.
In 1943 Mrs. Bertha Rainey Plum purchased the house, living here just four years. Then in 1947 it was acquired by the Junior League of New York City. By 1949 the house was ready for their move. The Times reported on May 24 of that year, “The Junior League of the City of New York once more is dwelling in marble halls…after ‘roughing it’ for nearly a year in a storage warehouse.”
The Board room
The Astor House—your venue in the heart of New York City.
Rich in classic luxury and convenience.
Located off Park Avenue on the Upper East Side, this breathtaking mansion feels like home the minute you step inside. Warm and welcoming, with an expert staff skilled at creating your kind of event. The Astor House is easily accessible to New York’s major public transportation, including Grand Central and Penn railroad stations and The Port Authority bus terminal. Planning a wedding? Prominent churches and synagogues are just steps away.
Located off Park Avenue in the Upper East Side, the Astor House is an elegant and inviting five-story townhouse featuring 10 private event spaces and an outdoor garden. Built by the prominent Astor family, the historic landmarked home boasts both traditional details and modern amenities. With capacity for up to 350 guests, the Astor House is the perfect venue for your next social gathering or corporate event.
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