Metropolitan Hotel
The Metropolitan Hotel was a luxury hotel in Manhattan, opened in 1852. It was located on the northeast corner of Broadway and Prince Street. the hotel closed in 1895 and the building was demolished in the same year.
The hotel occupied the former site of the old Niblo's Garden and incorporated the old theater as part of its structure. It was the largest theater in New York City till the Metropolitan Opera House opened in 1883. The Metropolitan was sometimes called Niblo's Hotel in the early years.
It was designed in the Italian palazzo style by architects John Butler Snook and Joseph Trench. The five-story building occupied 360 feet on Broadway and 210 feet on Prince Street. It had brownstone façade on the four floors above the stores on ground floor.
The Metropolitan opened on September 1, 1852, for the inspection of the public and a banquet for selected guests. According to the New York Times (September 2) "During the entire day the building was thronged with curious observers, inspecting the rich furniture and costly hangings, and the taste displayed in its arrangements. From the gorgeous bridal chamber to the well-arranged kitchen, the house was thoroughly overlooked, and pronounced perfect". It had about 500 rooms and the main entrance to the hotel was at 580 Broadway. The proprietors were Simeon Leland and his brother.
In 1853, another large luxury hotel opened its doors nearby on Broadway: the St. Nicholas Hotel at Spring Street.
In 1855, A. T. Stewart acquired the property. In April 14, 1871, a judge issued an order directing the sale of the furniture of the hotel, belonging to Leland brothers, declared bankrupt. Soon after, the Metropolitan reopened with Richard Tweed as proprietor and part of the hotel was renovated. By November, 1872, Tweed's interest was disposed to Purcell, Breslin & Co.
In June 1879 the dining-hall was destroyed by fire. It was renovated, but destroyed again in January, 1881. In 1885, John M. Otter was the general manager of the hotel.
The heirs of A. T. Stewart sold the Metropolitan Hotel and the sale was announced on December 27, 1894. Since 1893 or before, the hotel was managed by Hildreth & Allen. The Metropolitan closed by the early 1895. Demolished of the hotel and theater began by April 1895. Henry O. Havemeyer bought the property.
The Metropolitan Hotel, color lithograph by Sarony & Major, about 1852.
Below, the Metropolitan Hotel and the Niblo's Theatre in the William Perris maps of 1853, from NYPL.
Broadway, east side. Prince to Houston strets, 1899, with the buildings erected on the site of the old Metropolitan Hotel.
North from Prince Street.
Below, the Metropolitan Hotel, between Broadway, Prince and Crosby streets. Fragment from the plan The City of New York, published by Galt & Hoy, 1879, with additional text in red.
|
Copyright © Geographic Guide - NYC, Historic Hotels of 19th Century. |
Metropolitan Hotel
