Newport Casino
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Newport Casino
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Casino facade in 2008
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| Location | Newport, Rhode Island |
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| Coordinates | 41°28′56″N 71°18′27″W / 41.48222°N 71.30750°WCoordinates: 41°28′56″N 71°18′27″W / 41.48222°N 71.30750°W |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1879 |
| Architect | McKim, Mead & White |
| Architectural style | Shingle Style |
| Part of |
Bellevue Avenue Historic District Bellevue Avenue/Casino Historic District (#72000023 72000024) |
| NRHP Reference # | 70000083 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | December 2, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | February 27, 1987 |
| Designated NHLDCP | December 8, 1972 |
| Designated CP | December 8, 1972 |
The Newport Casino is an athletic complex and recreation center located at 186–202 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island, United States. Built in 1880, it was designated a National Historic Landmark on February 27, 1987, in recognition for its architectural significance as one of the nation's finest Shingle style buildings, and for its importance in the history of tennis in the United States. The complex now houses the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and was the site of the earliest US Opens.
The complex was commissioned in 1880 by James Gordon Bennett, Jr. Legend states that Bennett placed a bet with his guest British Cavalry Officer, Captain Henry Augustus "Sugar" Candy that Candy would not ride his horse up onto the front porch of Newport's most exclusive men's club – The Newport Reading Room. Candy won the bet, but the Governors of the Reading Room were not amused. Bennett and his infamous short temper did not take this kindly, and soon set about creating his own retreat, what would eventually become The Newport Casino.
Soon after deciding to create his own social club, Bennett purchased the Sidney Brooks estate, "Stone Villa". Directly across the street was a vacant lot, suitable for construction of the Casino. Bennett hired Charles McKim (soon to be of the firm McKim, Mead, and White) to design the Casino. By January 1880, Nathan Barker of Newport was contracted to begin construction.
The interior of the Casino, while generally outlined by McKim, was entrusted to Stanford White. Taking many elements and cues from the Japanese Pavilion at the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, White provided for a plan that was both secluded and open.
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