 He was the son of Emmet John Patten (1796 - 1842), a chemistry professor at the University of Virginia who was born in Ireland and was the nephew of Robert Emmet, the advocate for Irish independence.The building was constructed between 1911 and 1912, replacing Emmet's own townhouse at 89 Madison, and four other properties at 91-95 Madison which he had acquired.Although the building's primary function was to serve commercial tenants in the area north of Madison Square Park, Emmet had a penthouse apartment that included custom designed furnishings by Keeble, Ltd.