that it had examined several sites and recommended three sites. The northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 54th Street was part of the old campus of St. Luke's Hospital, which had moved to Morningside Heights, Manhattan, in 1893. Two other sites along Fifth Avenue were also suggested: one at the southeast corner with 37th Street and one at the southeast corner of 44th Street. The 54th Street parcel could be bought for $675,000, while the 37th and 44th Street parcels were offered by the Stevens family under 20-year leases at $35,000 per year. The council moved to recommend the 54th Street site on May 5, 1896, as that offer expired in 48 hours. Conflicting explanations are given for why the 37th and 44th Street parcels were rejected; a club history cites that the council preferred to not lease their space, but The New York Times reported that these parcels were considered "the wrong corners" because northwest and northeast corner sites enjoyed more direct sunlight. The next week, the members at large voted to approve the 54th Street site, which consisted of five lots. With the assurance that a new clubhouse would be developed, the council was finally able to increase its membership. Charles F. McKim, who was a club member, was selected as the primary architect of the new clubhouse in June 1896. The next month, the club's council authorized the purchase of two additional lots immediately adjacent to the property from the Rockefeller family, one on 54th Street and an adjacent tract on 55th Street. McKim's firm McKim, Mead & White filed plans for the building in May 1897 and construction began the same month. The building was projected to cost over $2 million including land and furniture. The club took out two mortgage loans, one for $1.2 million and another for $350,000. The development of the new clubhouse was described in the New-York Tribune as part of a trend of clubs relocating uptown. By late 1898, the clubhouse was nearly completed. Opening and early 20th century The members were notified in April 1899 that the Jerome Mansion clubhouse was to be closed. The new clubhouse at Fifth Avenue and 54th Street was completed by May 1899. The new club house was officially opened on May 17, 1899, with a dinner. Reactions from local media were positive. Brooklyn Life newspaper said "One is particularly impressed with the exterior beauty