During the 19th century, with the growth and transformation of urban concentrations, not least under the influence of new technologies, Gentlemen's Clubs became a privileged means of sociability among the elite, first in London, then throughout the British Empire, and particularly in New York. In this study, I explore the historical emergence of the principles that governed gentlemen’s clubs in London and the rise of analogous clubs in New York. Then, based on the observation of a particular case, the study explores some of the specific concerns about urban development that animated the discussions of New York elites and businessmen.