By Carter B. Horsley

This splendid, robust and interesting Beaux Arts-style mansion was originally built in 1901 on speculation by W. W. & T. Hall and designed by Alexander Welch of Welch, Smith & Provot.

It first owner was Benjamin N. Duke.

It has more visibility perhaps than any other townhouse in the city because it is directly opposite the large stairs at the entrance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Depending upon one's attitudes, this is a fabulous location because of its proximity to the museum and its treasures, or a terrible location because of its proximity to the museum and its tourists.

(One's attitude should be the former!)

A confection of façade details, this red-brick building has large curved bays on its avenue and side-street frontages topped by balustraded balconies, a very handsome rusticated limestone one-story base, limestone quoins, a handsome fenced moat, and a delightful mansard roof capped with finials that were replaced in 1985 when the building was renovated and subdivided into apartments.

The building is owned by Alex Sapir.