The Friars Club Begins Restoration of Its Landmark Headquarters

A longtime New Jersey resident who holds a master of business administration from Texas A&M University, Harvey Bell enjoys much of what New York City has to offer. In addition to cheering for the New York Knicks, Harvey Bell is an active member of Manhattan’s Friars Club.

In spring of 2020, the Friars Club announced that New York Design Architects and HRBDx would begin the interior restoration of its landmark clubhouse and headquarters. Lovingly known as “The Jerry Lewis Monastery,” this five-story English Renaissance Revival mansion dates back to 1908, and has served as the home of the Friars for the past 63 years.

The current restoration comes in the wake of a January 2019 water pipe rupture that caused a significant amount of water damage to the rear of the building. Although city firefighters quickly addressed the problem and protected the building from more substantial destruction, the Friars closed the club to facilitate a full return to its former glory.