EXPERIENCE OUR HISTORY

The Cosmopolitan is a part of Irvington’s Historic District: it is a symbol of the Village’s cultural and industrial legacy. First home to Cosmopolitan Magazine and later to pioneering film ventures, the building also supported decades of industry and commerce that sustained Irvington’s economy

1895-1896

John Brisben Walker builds the Cosmopolitan Building as headquarters for Cosmopolitan Magazine in Irvington, modeled after the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park.

Close-up of classical architectural details on a building, including a Corinthian column capital and a decorative balustrade.
A collection of vintage magazines called The Cosmopolitan from 1894, featuring various headlines and stories on the covers.
Black and white photo of an old train station with a train and a conductor standing on the platform.

1905-1910

William Randolph Hearst purchases Cosmopolitan; magazine relocates back to New York City.

MID 20TH-CENTURY

The building shifts into industrial uses, including WWII manufacturing.

Black and white photo of three workers operating a printing machine in a print shop, with stacks of printed papers on a table nearby.
Black and white photo of the White House with leafless trees in front, cars parked along the street, and a brick wall in foreground.
A black and white photo of a hospital or clinic ward with stacked beds and patients and staff in the background.

LATE 20TH CENTURY– 2000's

Known locally as the “Trent Building,” it houses businesses, studios, and light manufacturing.

2018

Irvington Comprehensive Plan identifies adaptive reuse of historic properties and revitalization of waterfront corridors as key community goals.

2023

The Cosmopolitan was sold to the Pedro Family. The family has invested a significant amount of time and money to repair and preserve the building.

Old stone building with six large windows, decorative columns, and intricate architectural details

BEFORE

Workers are on lift platforms cleaning the exterior of a large, historic building with columns and decorative architectural details.

DURING

A neoclassical building with tall Corinthian columns, arched windows, and decorative architectural details.

AFTER

2025 (PROPOSAL)

Proposal for an Adaptive Re-use as a luxury boutique hotel and residences.

  • Remove the patchwork of mid-century brick additions and loading docks on Buckhout

  • Replace with landscaped entrance, sidewalks and restored west facade of original building

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT