River House

River House is an Art Deco residential building with 26 floors containing 80 apartments and features elegant stone decorations, loggias, terraces, and balconies. Most units have views toward the East River and define the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

The building was constructed during the Great Depression in 1931 and faced financial hardship as many residents defaulted on their mortgages. This led to a foreclosure in 1941 that affected the property's ownership.

The River Club in the lower levels was the first place in New York City where men and women could be members together. This marked an important shift in how the city's social spaces operated.

The building is located on the Upper East Side and maintains strict security with gates and personnel controlling access. New residents go through a thorough screening process before being accepted.

The property once had a private yacht dock for residents that had to be removed when Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive was built along the riverfront. This altered the relationship between the building and the water.

Location: New York County

Inception: 1931

Architectural style: Art Deco

Floors above the ground: 26

GPS coordinates: 40.75470,-73.96354

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30