Downtown Athletic Club
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The Downtown Athletic Club was an athletic club in a 35-story building located at 19 West Street, (now 20 West Street) in Lower Manhattan, New York City, USA.
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[edit] History
The Club was founded in 1926. By 1927, it had purchased this site next to the Hudson River to construct its own building. It was completed in 1930.
The high cost of land necessitated a tall building, and the relatively small lot size dictated that the different functions and facilities of the club, including swimming pool, gymnasium, miniature golf course, squash, and tennis courts, as well as dining rooms and living quarters, be accommodated on separate floors.
[edit] Architecture
The building was designed in a classic Art Deco decor. Its architects, Starrett & van Vleck are also noted for designing several New York department stores including Lord and Taylor, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue shortly before the design of this Club.
It has been marked as a landmark in New York, so this will ensure it to remain in this style.
[edit] Heisman Trophy
It was most famous for its annual awarding of the Heisman Trophy in its building, given every year to the most outstanding college football player, and named after John Heisman, the club's first athletic director.
[edit] September 11 and subsequent bankruptcy
The club was less than half a mile south of the World Trade Center and suffered major damage in the September 11, 2001 attacks. The club never reopened, and declared bankruptcy in 2002. The 35-story building is now a residential tower named "The Downtown Club" which re-opened in 2005.
[edit] Notable tenants
The landmark condominium now stands as a 45-story building, (not 35) due to its conversion. The newly converted condo building has been renamed the Downtown Club. Amenities include a comprehensive gym and fitness center, screening room, valet services, concierge services and resident lounge.
One of its most notable tenants is fashion designer Marisol Deluna, owning a duplex apartment where the swimming pool once stood. Additionally, there are several prominent writers, chefs and Wall Street bankers who live there due to its desired location near the Financial District and the New York Stock Exchange.
[edit] Relocation of Heisman Trophy Presentation Ceremony
The Heisman Trophy was relocated temporarily uptown to the Yale Club of New York City. The ceremony moved to the Hilton New York for 2004 and has been presented annually at the Nokia Theatre Times Square since 2005. ESPN has provided television coverage of the Heisman Trophy presentation from 1995 to the present.
