When it comes to buzzy members’ clubs in New York City, a few names immediately come to mind, from NeueHouse to Soho House and everything in between. Which is to say it’s a saturated marketplace; one that seems to be constantly expanding its brick-and-mortar footprint to other locales as well—chai lattes, workspaces, and all. Maxwell, a new social club in TriBeCa, is looking to break that mold via tailored, thoughtful interiors and a communal kitchen.

A closer look inside Maxwell; custom upholstery by Arhaus.

Maxwell Social

Maxwell’s main proposition? “What we’re really building here is a second home, not a third space,” says David Litwak, who cofounded the outpost along with Joelle Fuchs and Kyle Chaning-Pearce. “The soul of the club is members cooking together on Fridays and Saturdays.”

That sort of camaraderie is facilitated by the space’s design language, which the founders mapped out with the help of interior designer Kyi Gyaw. Points of inspiration included the Spanish txoko, a type of social club in Basque country centered around making meals, as well as the the club’s namesake, socialite Elsa Maxwell. Known for her lavish parties, Maxwell is immortalized in the club via custom wallpaper by Gracie, which documents her adventures in New York and Paris.

Maxwell’s kitchen, which was outfitted by JennAir.

Maxwell Social

One-of-a-kind elements that felt equal parts personal and familiar were essential to creating Maxwell’s lived-in vibe. Arhaus provided custom upholstery for the furniture; the oven from JennAir was an essential part of the kitchen area, which serves as the club’s social nucleus. Guests enter through a space that’s styled as a walk-in closet; downstairs is a speakeasy with a copper bathtub for Champagne and a pool table. One-off chandeliers by Mollie Nitzken of Slightly East hang in the many rooms, which are adorned with yet more mural wallpapers from Gracie.

Maxwell’s custom wallpaper is by Gracie.

Maxwell Social

Those looking to get in on the Maxwell experience—and receive a complimentary liquor locker—can inquire via the club’s website. “We’re building a community, not a facility,” says Litwak of the philosophy. “That’s a really important distinction between us and these other clubs.”

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Associate Market Editor

Helena Madden is ELLE DECOR’s associate market editor, and covers all things product and trend, from flatware and furnishings to kitchen and bath. She previously worked as a staff writer at Robb Report, where she covered luxury news with a focus on interior design.

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