Construction of the nearby Back Bay Fens (FL1), with bridle paths and roads for carriages, encouraged the creation of the New Riding Club in 1891 to capitalize on these opportunities for recreation. The club provided for every need of its socially prominent equestrian members—facilities for stabling, feeding, exercising, and grooming their horses; space for veterinary care; a riding ring; and club rooms and changing rooms. The Tudor Revival building remains one of Willard T. Sears's finest designs. In 1934, the Tennis and Racquet Club bought the club, converting the riding ring to tennis courts; in 1985, the former stables were adaptively reused for residences.