Lost on Madison Avenue - Tiffany Studios and The Roosevelt Hotel

Updated: Dec 3, 2023

Madison Avenue is famous. How famous do you say? Well, in the 1984 film "Splash", a mermaid chose Madison as her human name while walking down this thoroughfare. "Mad Men", the television show from 2007-20015, explored the world of a fictional advertising agency located on "Mad"ison Avenue during the 1960s. Other movies and books have used Madison Avenue as a backdrop for their stories and it's no wonder. New Yorkers know Madison Avenue for the exclusive clubs, stores, hotels, and fabulous residences that line this busy street. Although Madison Avenue was not part of New York City's original grid layout in the early 1800s, it was added between 4th (now Park) and 5th Avenue in 1836.

In its 185 years of history, Madison Avenue has seen its share of change. Take, for example, the studio that Louis Comfort Tiffany established on Madison Avenue in 1905. It would survive for a mere 13 years. The building would be torn down to make room for a luxury hotel. This hotel, where the famous New Year’s Eve tradition of singing “Auld Lang Syne” originated, would close its doors forever in 2020.

The artist and entrepreneur, Louis Comfort Tiffany is also famous, very famous. His mere name evokes style, luxury, and elegance. His namesake store on 5th Avenue has been a tourist destination for decades. A famous book and movie were named after his store. Tiffany even has its paint color, Tiffany Blue. And it all began with Louis Comfort Tiffany's father, Charles. Charles Tiffany opened his store Tiffany & Co. in 1837. He was known as the "King of Diamonds". Charles wanted his name to be synonymous with jewelry in the 19th Century (and it still is today). But his son, Louis wanted his name to be synonymous with art. Louis sought to create fine goods so exquisite and beautiful that people couldn't help but notice the artistry.*

So, as it happened in the late 19th century, Louis Comfort Tiffany established his own company (bankrolled by his father's money) using his famous last name. Louis Comfort Tiffany was well-known and exceptionally talented which allowed him to open a showroom on 4th (now Park) Avenue. As his business grew, so did the need for a bigger store. An opportunity, just a few blocks away, would arise in 1905 when the Knickerbocker Athletic Club on Madison Avenue came up for lease,

New York Public Library Digital Collection Front of Tiffany's Studios

Tiffany would move most of his operations here. (His glass factory would be located in Corona, NY. This is where the Women's Glass Cutting Department and Clara Driscoll worked. (Check out the book, Clara and Mr. Tiffany for a glimpse at this part of Tiffany's history.) Tiffany had large windows placed at the entrance of his new showroom to flaunt his wares. (See the photograph above.)

To quote the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "Tiffany created a showroom for his Favrile glass vases, pottery, lamps, leaded-glass windows, and textiles. The exterior was modified at the same time; plate-glass windows on the ground level replaced marble pillars, and the sumptuous glass mosaic sign was added to identify the luxury emporium"**

Beside the showrooms, the five-story building included design and work rooms on the upper floors. Tiffany's creations would go from the draft board to the final product to being displayed for the discriminating buyer all in one building. Author, John D'Agostino stated, "Tiffany employed some of the finest workmen, designers, craftsmen and chemists. To this day, Favrile glass and works the likes of Tiffany Studios still cannot be authentically equaled, even with today’s technology".***

The New York Public Library Digital Collection Tiffany Studio Staircase and Design Studio

After a little over a decade, Tiffany Studios closed due to changing tastes and a lack of business acumen. The structure was demolished, and, in its place, a large hotel was built. The Roosevelt Hotel was named after Theodore Roosevelt, the former New York Governor and United States president. When completed in 1924 after two years of construction, it had 22 stories with over 1000 hotel rooms and 52 suites. The Roosevelt was one of the first hotels to have storefronts incorporated on street level instead of bars. (Thanks Prohibition!) As a close neighbor to Grand Central Terminal, the Roosevelt Hotel has an underground passage that connects the hotel to the train terminal although it is no longer in service.^

The Roosevelt Hotel Use arrows to see The Roosevelt Hotel Past and Present

The hotel was able to survive the Depression, world wars, and 9/11. It has gone through several owners, but it was a pandemic that would end its reign. In October 2020, the Roosevelt Hotel made the following statement, "Due to the current, unprecedented environment and the continued uncertain impact of COVID-19, the owners of The Roosevelt Hotel have made the difficult decision to close the hotel, and the associates were notified this week." ^^ It is rumored that the hotel will be converted to apartments or condominiums. So, after many years of hosting millions of visitors and famous guests alike, the grand old hotel closed on December 18, 2020.