New Haven Lawn Club

The New Haven Lawn Club is a private club located on Whitney Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut close to Yale University. It is a social and athletic facility.

New Haven Lawn Club
Location193 Whitney Ave
New Haven, Connecticut
Coordinates41°18′57″N 72°55′10″W
Built1929-1931
ArchitectDouglas Orr; William Douglas
Architectural styleColonial Revival, Moderne
NRHP reference No.03000309[1]
Added to NRHPMay 1, 2003

The club was added the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2003.[1][2]

One building and one structure of the club are deemed contributing to the historic character while another building and three structures are non-contributing. The architecture of the clubhouse is primarily Colonial Revival with Art Moderne decorative elements. The clubhouse, built in 1931 to replace the former clubhouse that had burned in 1929, is credited to architect Douglas W. Orr, but much of the detail design is by William Douglas.[2]

The club offers tennis, squash, and outdoor swimming,[3] and is considered one of the most prestigious clubs in the area.[4]

History
Sign of the New Haven Lawn Club

The Club was founded in 1891 by a group of New Haven residents. The original clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 1929. Renowned architect Douglas Orr designed the current facility. As of 2005, over 520 families were counted among its membership.

It originally hosted lawn tennis, now more commonly known as court tennis, reflecting a fad brought from England.[2]

Activities

The New Haven Lawn Club offers a wide range of activities and events including tennis, swimming, food, art exhibits, concerts, book clubs, yoga and pilates. The Club is also a venue for many of New Haven's prestigious dances.

Facilities

The Lawn Club mansion is rich with architectural details. Visitors enter the foyer through a vaulted portico, archways, and columns made of the local red brick. Octagonal windows look out over the manicured Lawn Club grounds. A Lalique crystal chandelier graces the foyer and working fireplaces are found throughout the building. The New Haven Lawn Club is home to several event rooms.

The Grand Ballroom, is the club's largest event space and with a 225-person occupancy. The Ballroom has a barrel-vaulted ceiling, a performance stage, and hardwood floors. The event space includes a terrazzo entryway and fireplace.

The club's Main Dining Room seats 120 people. Two wood-burning fireplaces mirror each other at opposite ends of the hall, with terrazzo flooring between them. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the Lawn Club grounds and the attached terrace overlooks the tennis courts.

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  2. Christopher Wigren (March 7, 2003). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: New Haven Lawn Club". National Park Service. and Accompanying 20 photos, exterior and interior, from 2002 (see captions page 26 of text document)
  3. Lawn Club Activities Page
  4. Who Really Ruled in Dahl's New Haven?
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