On Wednesday, Gerber Group unveiled The Campbell (15 Vanderbilt Avenue), the long anticipated revival of the former Campbell Apartment, located in Grand Central Terminal. A New York City institution since its days as Jazz Age financier John William Campbell’s private office and reception hall, the space has been thoughtfully and meticulously restored in partnership with internationally renowned design firm Ingrao Inc. Maintaining the integrity of the property’s historic architecture while introducing contemporary design elements, Gerber Group has created a refined, yet approachable atmosphere that is complemented by a distinguished bar program and menu of elevated bar fare.
“We are very proud of how beautifully the space has been revitalized, and look forward to providing our guests with the great service they have come to expect from us,” says Scott Gerber, principal and CEO of Gerber Group. “Whether stopping by for a quick drink before catching a train, or making The Campbell a destination for a night of cocktails and great food, we are very confident that commuters, locals and tourists who visit Grand Central Terminal will be pleasantly surprised.”
Hidden in plain sight, The Campbell is tucked in the southwest corner of Grand Central Terminal, alluding to the discreet ways the space was historically used by John Campbell: a daytime office during his days as a financier and member of the New York Central Railroad’s Board of Directors, and a reception hall for his colleagues and friends once the sun went down. Paying homage to the history of the space as a salon for entertaining in the truest form, Gerber Group has divided the venue into three principal areas that provide distinctive guest experiences: The Campbell Bar, the timeless office featuring a stunning bar topped with green quartzite, custom brass sconces that illuminate the magnificent hand-painted ceiling, custom mohair and leather furnishings, and a mezzanine offering a look over the action below; The Campbell Palm Court, an indoor lounge with Rattan bar stools and high top café tables surrounded by towering palm trees with a view into the main terminal; and The Campbell Terrace, a sweeping outdoor covered veranda complete with a full bar, where guests can enjoy the weather as well as the bustle of Midtown.
“As soon as you enter The Campbell, the sense of history is palpable,” says Randy Kemper, Designer, Ingrao Inc. “We focused on restoring the space’s original features, while utilizing traditional materials and design features whenever possible. The end result is a breathtaking revitalization that brings the historic venue seamlessly into the 21st century while paying homage to its storied past.”
Ingrao Inc. and Gerber Group have restored Campbell’s original vision while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the space’s structural bones, including many of the thirteenth century Florentine-inspired design details that upheld its legendary allure, such as the soaring, 25-foot hand painted ceilings, a grand stone fireplace, a century-old leaded glass window, original millwork and John Campbell’s personal steel safe.
The Campbell features Gerber Group’s selection of classic and modern cocktails highlighting only the freshest ingredients, in addition to interesting wines and locally brewed craft beers. Signature drinks span from classic and era-driven—like the Aviation (Nolet’s Gin, crème de violette, Maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon), John Campbell’s Martini (Stoli Elit, Carpano dry vermouth, olives), Stackhouse’s Punch (Brugal Rum, Veuve Clicquot, fresh lemon), and the GG Manhattan (Woodford Reserve, Carpano Antica, Angostura bitters)—to modern signature house cocktails like the Summertime Spice (Casamigos Blanco, Ancho Reyes liqueur, fresh lemon, agave) and Grand Central Spritz (Grey Goose, St. Germain, mint, Prosecco).
A selection of elevated bar fare includes the Butcher’s Block, with charcuterie and country pâté, Crispy Tuna Tartare Tacos (with smoked chipotle mayonnaise), and Meatball Sliders (with pecorino and basil). The Campbell’s lunch specialties include the Kale and Endive Salad (toasted pistachio, pecorino and mint), French Dip (with caramelized onions and red wine au jus), Grilled Cheese (with aged gruyere and smoked mozzarella on sourdough), and Herb Roasted Chicken Sandwich (with provolone, roasted peppers and caramelized onions on rosemary ciabatta).
