– Steve Ostrow, Manhattan Bathhouse Impresario, Dies at
– Steve Ostrow, Manhattan Bathhouse Impresario.
Steve Ostrow, Founder of Continental Baths, Passes Away at 91
Steve Ostrow, the visionary behind the iconic Continental Baths, a renowned gay men’s sex club and performance space in Manhattan, has sadly passed away at the age of 91. His death occurred on February 3rd at his residence in Sydney, Australia. The news of his passing was confirmed by his close friend, Toby Usnik.
A Visionary Business Plan
In 1968, Steve Ostrow set out to create an extraordinary sanctuary for hedonism and self-expression. His brainchild, the Continental Baths, found its home in the basement of the Ansonia Hotel, a magnificent Beaux-Arts landmark on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This opulent building, with its grandeur and decadence, perfectly suited Ostrow’s ambitious venture.
The Ansonia, a sprawling edifice stretching across a full block on Broadway, featured Turkish baths, a colossal pool, and even a rooftop urban farm with goats, chickens, and a bear. Throughout its history, the Ansonia had been home to illustrious figures such as Babe Ruth and Florenz Ziegfeld. With its fading fortunes in the post-World War II era, the building became a refuge for artists and musicians.
It was during a visit to the Ansonia for a voice lesson that Ostrow stumbled upon the dilapidated basement, with its neglected pool and baths, available for rent. This fortuitous encounter sparked an idea in Ostrow’s mind – to create a safe space for gay men to gather and explore their sexuality, at a time when such expressions were highly restricted and even illegal.
The Birth of the Continental Baths
With only a handful of dingy and depressing gay bathhouses in New York City, Ostrow saw an opportunity to revolutionize the scene. In 1968, he opened the doors to the Continental Baths, offering a haven for gay men seeking connection, pleasure, and liberation.
The Baths faced numerous challenges, enduring over 200 police raids in their first year alone. However, Ostrow’s resourcefulness allowed him to strike a deal with the police, who received a weekly “donation” equivalent to 10% of the Baths’ profits, under the guise of a fictitious “policeman’s ball.”
Ostrow’s showmanship and grand vision transformed the Continental Baths into a Roman-inspired paradise. The establishment boasted a mirrored disco, a black marble steam room, a restaurant, a chapel, a gym, a boutique, a travel desk, and even a V.D. clinic. The Baths offered hundreds of private rooms and thousands of lockers. Ostrow even rented the private elevator to the roof, where he constructed a beach with imported sand, complete with cabanas and umbrellas.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The Continental Baths became more than just a venue for sexual encounters; it became a cultural phenomenon. Ostrow’s brilliance in booking talent led to the Baths becoming a hotspot for entertainment. Bette Midler, a rising star at the time, performed on a small stage by the pool, captivating audiences with her captivating performances. Alongside Midler, the Baths hosted other renowned artists such as Barry Manilow, Rudolf Nureyev, Patti LaBelle, and Sarah Vaughan.
Midler’s performances at the Continental Baths became legendary, drawing a diverse crowd that included both gay and straight individuals. Mick Jagger and Helen Gurley Brown were among the many celebrities who flocked to witness Midler’s electrifying performances.
The Legacy Lives On
Despite its immense success, the Continental Baths faced a decline in the mid-1970s. Ostrow’s decision to cater to straight audiences and his patrons’ feeling of exploitation led to a shift in the atmosphere. The Baths eventually fell into disrepair, plagued by drug use and a deteriorating environment.
In 1977, the Continental Baths closed its doors, marking the end of an era. However, its influence on the LGBTQ+ community and the performing arts cannot be overstated. Ostrow’s vision and audacity paved the way for greater acceptance and freedom.
Following the closure of the Baths, Steve Ostrow continued his journey as an opera singer, performing with various companies around the world. In the late 1980s, he settled in Australia and became a vocal coach. He founded Mature Age Gays, a support group, and received recognition for his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and the performing arts.
Steve Ostrow’s passing is a great loss to the LGBTQ+ community and the world of entertainment. His legacy will forever be remembered as a testament to the power of self-expression and the fight for equality.
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– Steve Ostrow, Manhattan Bathhouse Impresario Dies at 91
– Steve Ostrow’s Legacy: Manhattan Bathhouse Impresario’s Passing at 91.
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