Scheffel Hall

German Renaissance Revival on 17th Street


"Scheffel Hall"
Oil on canvas
24 x 18 inches

Continuing my explorations in paint of the Gramercy/Flatiron Districts I'd like to share this new painting with you. Scheffel Hall is a wonderfully ornate building, surrounded by nondescript buildings on either side, so it really stands out on 17th Street and 3rd Avenue. Built in the late 1800's, the upper facade has some wonderful terra-cotta cladding. Reading up on the history of the building, it served as a restaurant for many years. I remember passing by when it was Fat Tuesday's, a jazz club. A hologram of Dizzy Gillespie in the front window changed as one passed by, with the musician's cheeks puffing out and in as he played his horn. It now houses Sal Anthony's pilates and yoga hangout and when I peek in the open door the old wooden interior is filled with exercise equipment. The building originally had another entrance around the corner as well, but that was taken down and a small church is tucked in that space. Anyone who has followed this blog knows that I love the older buildings of the city and Scheffel Hall is one beauty that I hope will not disappear anytime soon.