DELMONICO'S BUILDING

Erected in 1890-91, to the designs of the
prominent architect James Brown Lord, this striking
Renaissance Revival restaurant and office building
is the only surviving building associated with the
world-famous Delmonico's Restaurant. Founded in
1827 by Swiss-born brothers, John and Peter
Delmonico, Delmonico's was one of the first
restaurants in the United States to specialize in fine
Continental cuisine. When their restaurant burned
in the Fire of 1835, the Delmonico brothers
acquired this site, where they erected an elegant
four-story building that quickly became a favorite
gathering place for New York society and visiting
dignitaries. In 1890 the Delmonicos replaced that
building with the current eight-story building, which
provided additional restaurant space as well as
several office stories.The sensitive handling of materials, rich
colors, and elaborate decorative program
incorporating Renaissance motifs makes this one of
the finest surviving late-nineteenth-century
buildings in Manhattan's financial district. On January 30, 1996 the Delmonico's Building was recognized as Landmark design from New York Landmarks
Conservancy, the American Institute of
Architects.
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