Inside the lavish private club for New York City's creative elite
The club is located in an unassuming brownstone near the corner of West 14th Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan. Built in 1874 by Andrew S. Norwood, the building was, at the time, an extravagant mansion with a total 13 fireplaces, mahogany doors, and intricate plaster crown molding.
To be accepted to the club, you must prove your involvement with the creative arts, and go through an extensive hour-long interview, which gets reported to the board of directors. "It's as much as what are we going to get out of them as members, as what are they going to get out of us," Linn said. There's a $800 membership joining fee, and an annual fee of $2,200 a year — or $1,250 if you're under 30.
When we take on new members, it’s not always about everyone knowing everyone," Linn said. "It's about creating an alchemy, so to speak. It's nice to combine various professions and backgrounds at one dinner table.
Members are able to come and go throughout the day and night. The club opens at 10 a.m. and is used by many as a workspace for client meetings, drinks with co-workers (non-members are allowed in when accompanied by a member), or a quick breakfast and some WiFi.
The food served at the club is aimed towards comfort. Shrimp and grits are a menu staple. "There's so many good restaurants in New York — so we focus on consistency," Linn said. Once a month, a group of 16 members who have never met are gathered for a private dinner to help promote networking within the club. "It's a bit like an AA meeting, but there is alcohol," Linn joked.
There are multiple bars in the club, in addition to a wine cellar in the basement. Norwood also has an impressive art collection that rotates annually.
Various events are held during the evenings, including sketch-drawing tutorials, wine sample tastings, live music, and speed-mentoring sessions.
Movie screenings are also a regular occurrence at the club.
During the warmer seasons, an outdoor courtyard is open for members.
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