Claremont Inn, which was situated in Riverside Park just north of
Grant's Tomb (center). Built as a residence about 1806, it had a long and
varied history. Eventually it became an inn, but its fortunes declined
over the years of Prohibition until, after repeal, it was rebuilt by the
WPA in 1934; architect: Aymar Embur II. It served as a watering
hole for Columbia University faculty until 1949 when it burned down;
professors who lived in New Jersey would stop in on their way to the
Edgewater ferry at 125th Street.
References:
NYC Parks Department
press release, 29 October 1934: "Claremont Inn on Riverside Drive
has been renovated and opened as a popular priced restaurant."
NYC Parks Department press
release, 30 April, 1937: "The Department of Parks announces that the
... Claremont Restaurant will reopen on May 1st ... The historic Claremont
was built in 1806, and is recognized as one of New York's landmarks,
overlooking the Hudson River on Riverside Drive north of Grant's Tomb. The
exterior has been repainted and the interior has been renovated. It will
open on May 1st at 6:30 P.M., for dinner. A new cocktail bar has been
provided and the indoor seating capacity increased, considerably. Luncheon
will be $1.00, dinner $1.50, special supper $1.00, and breakfast on Sundays
until 1 P.M., 50 cts. and up. At both locations tree-shaded outdoor dining
terraces, with their gay sun umbrellas, will be much more attractive than in
former years. The trees and flowering shrubs planted three years ago are now
fully established and will soon be blooming profusely. Entertainment in the
form of music and dancing will be provided nightly."
Variety of Buildings Planned in the City,
New York Times, 23 May 1935: "Manhattan .. Alterations .. Riverside
Park, opposite North Riverside Drive, 224 feet south of Tiemann
Pl. (Claremont Inn); to offices and restaurant, Department of Parks, City of
New York; Aymar Embury II, architect; cost, $4,475."