The Duplex

Opened in 1951 on 55 Grove Street, The Duplex, founded by owner Jimmy di Martino, gained fame in 1955 when Lovelady Powell, Brooks Martin, and Hal Holbrook transformed the second floor into a performance venue named “Upstairs-at-the-Duplex.” They showcased a variety act, including Powell’s renditions of classic songs and Holbrook’s acclaimed Mark Twain impersonation. The venue quickly became a hotspot, drawing celebrities and earning acclaim from magazines like the New Yorker and Variety. Despite changes in management after three years, The Duplex continued its legacy under new leadership, becoming a Greenwich Village gem.