Henry P. Davison House

Henry P. Davison House is a five-story brick residence on the Upper East Side with red Flemish bond masonry and a limestone base. The facade features bronze sphinxes and classical urns positioned near selected windows on the exterior.

The residence was designed and built in 1917 for banker Henry P. Davison by architects Walker & Gillette. After its initial period, the house welcomed other prominent residents before undergoing a significant change in purpose.

The house displays the classical design preferences that wealthy New Yorkers favored in the early 1900s, showing neo-Federal and Georgian Revival style elements. These architectural choices were fashionable among the city's most prominent families of that era.

The building is located in a central neighborhood with good access to public transportation and nearby shops and restaurants. Since it serves as an active diplomatic site, visitors can admire the exterior while interior access may be limited or unavailable.

The building has functioned as a consulate for several decades, bridging the gap between private aristocratic residence and political diplomacy. This transformation shows how historic city mansions have taken on new roles in modern governance.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1910s

Architects: Walker & Gillette

Architectural style: Federal architecture, Georgian Revival architecture

Part of: Park Avenue Houses

Address: 690 Park Avenue

GPS coordinates: 40.76920,-73.96570

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:04