The Clubhouse
Our Clubhouse at 1616 Latimer Street was designed by Philadelphia native Edmund Gilchrist, known primarily for designing houses in traditional Cotswold and Georgian Revival styles. The architecture of the Clubhouse reflects a more contemporary approach, with the patterning of the brickwork and the use of metal-framed windows giving the exterior a decidedly 20th century appearance. Planning for the building began shortly after the Club was formed in 1928, and the Clubhouse opened its doors in September 1930.
OUR INTERIORS
Our forward-thinking founders asked French émigré Jules Bouy, a prominent exponent of Art Moderne, to create the interior. Bouy designed the original furniture, furnishings and light fixtures, most of which remain in use; especially notable are the upholstered chairs in the salon and the elegant central table and red chairs in the dining room. He loved curves, repeated in sets of three, which can be found throughout the building. His early interest in metalwork was expressed in the wall sconces, original floor lamps, fireplace surrounds, and the “frozen fountain” design in the lobby. Bouy’s signature style relied on a clean, architectural approach that prioritized geometric lines and an “uncluttered” aesthetic. Buoy’s furniture is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian and the Museum of Modern Art. To learn more click here.
ART MODERNE
Art Moderne is an architectural and design style that emerged as a sleeker, more aerodynamic evolution of Art Deco. Inspired by the machine age, it favored sweeping horizontal lines, rounded corners, and smooth, unadorned surfaces over Art Deco's verticality and geometric patterns. Deeply rooted in principles like Japanese Shibui and Shaker design, this approach prioritizes visual rest, deliberate negative space, and a strong relationship between presence and absence.
OUR LEGACY
In recognition of its historic, architectural and socio-cultural significance, the Cosmopolitan Club was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. It was awarded a Pennsylvania Historic Marker, recognizing the Club’s statewide significance, in 2002.
OUR PIANO
The Steinway grand piano, the gift of Charter Member Mary Louise Curtis Bok, was also designed by Bouy; once played by George Gershwin, it remains a focal point of the salon. Its mix of exotic woods were chosen to harmonize with the hooked rug in tones of brown and beige and yellow that he designed for the room: the frame is satinwood with ebony trim, the top, white holly with a rock maple interior, and the legs are French walnut. The piano was rebuilt and the cracked soundboard replaced by Steinway & Sons in 1986.
OUR COMMITMENT TO PRESERVATION
The interior of the Clubhouse has undergone significant alterations and improvements over the years. Recently, efforts to make the clubhouse accessible included restoration of the front façade, the addition of a ramp and installation of a seamless-glass lift. In 2026, the lobby was restored to Jules Buoy’s original design and third-floor renovations began to improve workspace for the staff. In making these crucial updates, great care is taken to preserve the original design.
Anyone wishing a tour of our historic Clubhouse is most welcome. Please contact the Club Manager at [email protected] to make arrangements.