We think of New York as a city of skyscrapers. But nestled within the stature of it all is the exclusive Norwood Club, a London-style members-only establishment. This private club located in the heart of lower Manhattan is now part of the National Registry of Historic Places and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. The owners, the talented duo of Alan Linn, ex-manager of the infamously rowdy English nightclub Blacks, and partner Steve Ruggi, collaborated with award-winning interior designer Simon Costin to keep the historic integrity of the venue inside and out. Costin maintained the building’s originality in part by handpicking the collection of antiquities throughout the restaurant.
Norwood Club is housed in a quaint historic mansion that was built in 1847. The brownstone is architecturally structured in Greek Revival (rectangular-stylized building) and new Italianate style (similar to the villas of Northern Italy). This five-floor manor accommodates 50 for dining, with two lounge bars for relaxing in comfortable plush seating that surrounds the rooms. The private dining area fits 24 people for those memorable occasions. In addition, a 60-seat screening room located on the fourth floor is also available for events like business meetings. The secret walled garden provides an intimate moment away from the crowd, with beautiful flowers and wrought iron tables and chairs that create the perfect scene for the outdoor country setting within the bustling city limits.
The entrance features a beautiful bold black door, with gold trimmings, setting a tone of elegance. It opens up to a floor plan that leads into the grand foyer, with a vaulted 14-foot ceiling and beautiful wood floors. Scattered within Norwood Club are thirteen uniquely fashioned fireplaces, several of which include craved marble mantles, filling the atmosphere with warmth and sophistication. The crown molding throughout the house keeps that traditional flair flowing. Cast-iron balconies set off the parlor windows for a dynamic visual appeal. The walls and hallways are distinctly adorned with prints, paintings, and lithographs that will spark interest and build conversation.
The criteria to becoming a member, according to Linn, are not based on fame or wealth but rather on talent. Therefore, anybody who craves a comfortable home away from home to share commonalities with artists, designers, musicians, writers, and entrepreneurs, a place where you can rub shoulders with the crème de la crème or just relax with like-minded people, should look no further. Norwood Club is for those who seek a socialite setting where they can enjoy similar ideas with their contemporaries—the place where the creative and curious minds meet.
Text by Vanessa De Leon
