New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-08-12

and G. E. Harvey has drawn the plans for the
house of Mr.. Olyphant The two buildings are
similar in design. having four stories and base
meut, with granite front. The cost OF Mr..
ELEPHANTS is estimated At about $4,000.
From these structures one might judge Of the
character Of other private dwelling houses
which viii soon be built on this famous old site
PLANNING AN APARTMENT HOUSE
The rematnjng Fifth-ave front north OF the
Union Club site to Fifty-second-st is still in
the hands of brokers' It IS rumored that nego-
tiations are pending with a builder who pur-
poses to erect an apartment house 10 a height
level with that OF the gable OF ST. Patrick's
Cathedral, it being a stipulation in the deed Of
each parcel that this limit OF height is TO be
observed in order not to dwarf the Cathedral
Several clubs are also interested in procuring
this property, so that It's future is yet indefinite
The description Of the Union Club, although
the plans have been withheld from publication.
has already been printed from time TO time in
The Tribune. In few words, the club build
ing is 10 appear from the street as Of three
stories, although within 1t will be seen that a
series of mezzanine floors practically doubles
this number. II is to have a width OF $50 feet
and depth of ~ feet \ 1O-foot courtyard
adjoins to the east. The building will have an
imposing central entrance in Fifty-frst-st.. and
the WINDOWS VIII De eTQDelllSnGQ Dy stone pal
comics. There is TO be a roof garden on top
guarded by heavy parapet and cornice- The
architecture Of the building win closely resemble
that of the old clubhouse, at Twenty-frst-st
and Fifth-ave
Ever since the sale OF the orphan asylum
property, last spring. the transformation OF the
place has been gradually going on. Those who
dwell in the nelghborhood first missed the or
phan children for whom kind Providence had
found home within the dingy walls Of the in
stitution, and who might be seen at times play
ing the grass plots. The building. which was
perched on the highest part Of the ledge Of rock,
more than two hundred and fifty feet from
Ftfth-ave., had a long stretch OF grass and
trees before II, which, although in strange con-
trast TO the brownstOue houses opposite. within
a few feet of the sidewalk. offered a refreshing
glimpse of nature TO the passerby. When sun
day came and the CathedraTs bell rang for the
morning service there now appeared no longer
that sober procession OF children, headed by
their guardians in black, slowly making their
way from the orphanage TO the Cathedral Later
the asylum was invaded by a vandaI band OF
wOrkmen, who tore down its walls, drove horses
and wagons over the green lawn. and left only
few fragments Of inner court TO en-
phasize the monotony Of the desolation.
CHANGE IS A GOOD ONE
Nevertheless only a sentimental dreamer
would lament the passing OF the old oprhan
asylum The sale of the property was exceed
ingly profitable TO the church and has resulted
in giving its orphan charges a far more health
full and pleasant suburban home thar they had
The sale has naturally met with the favor OF the
owners Of nefghbcring property. The disposal of
this block for the use Of clubs ard private dwell
ing houses has brought "a the minds Of many
the grand scheme which William II. Vanderbilt
planned 10 put into execution He was said 10
have desired 70 purchase the block for the pur-
pose Of erecting art museum where he might
place his rare collections and at stated times ad-
NIT the public 70 see them.