Manhattan: 5th Avenue - 51st Street (West)

1940

Manhattan: 5th Avenue - 51st Street (West)

640 Fifth Avenue, at the N. W. corner of West 51st St., showing the Vanderbilt home, prior to its proposed demolition. This structure has been sold to the Astor real estate interests and who plan to erect a commercial two story structure here. It was the first of the numerous Vanderbilt houses in this area and now is the last. It was erected for Mrs. William H. Vanderbilt who became the dominant figure in society. Recognition here connoted social acceptance. General Cornelius Vanderbilt inherited it at a later date. October 26, 1940 Robert A. Knudtsen 221 E. 31st St., N.Y.C.

Photo from the New York Public Library - Milstein Collection