James Speyer House

The James Speyer House is a townhouse on Fifth Avenue in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, featuring three main stories with a set-back attic level. The Fifth Avenue facade displays five bays while the side street elevation shows seven bays.

A prominent New York banker and head of Speyer & Co commissioned this residence in the early decades of the twentieth century. The house was built during an era when wealthy families were establishing grand homes along Fifth Avenue.

The house reflects how wealthy New Yorkers chose to build their homes with classical elements that showcase contemporary construction methods. You can see this blend of traditional design and modern techniques still present in the facade today.

The building's sunken courtyard with a light well provides natural illumination to the lower levels of the structure. You can observe this thoughtful design feature while viewing the property from the street.

The upper two floors are connected through a system of pilasters that create a strong vertical emphasis on the facade. This design strategy draws the eye upward and reinforces the classical elegance of the building.

Location: Manhattan

GPS coordinates: 40.78220,-73.96000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:26