Casino, 5B York Place, Edinburgh

The Casino, located at 5B York Place in Edinburgh, is a former Gothick chapel designed by James Adam in 1794, with later alterations. It is now used as commercial premises. The building features a symmetrical, 3-bay, 2-storey structure with a basement, constructed from polished ashlar sandstone. Notable architectural details include a base course, a band course between the basement and the principal floor, a string course at the principal floor and between the first floor and the blocking course, and a corniced blocking course. The entrance is accessed via ashlar steps and an entrance platform that oversails the basement.

The principal elevation has an advanced central bay that breaks the eaves, resembling a square tower. At the principal floor, there is a classical/Egyptian doorpiece featuring a 2-leaf panelled timber door with diamond-glazing in the upper panels. This door is flanked by pairs of engaged hexagonal columns with stylised acanthus capitals, supporting a corniced architrave with decorative paterae. Above the doorpiece is a window, with a pair of windows on either side featuring keystone motifs; the central window has a moulded chamfer.

Behind the principal elevation is an octagonal lantern made of polished ashlar, which includes a string course, a cornice, and a panelled Adamesque blocking course. Each bay of the lantern features moulded chamfer pointed-arch clerestory windows.

The east and west elevations adjoin other buildings, which are listed separately. The interior, which was not seen in 1998, has been greatly altered but retains an arcade and rib vaulting in the octagon.

The principal elevation includes geometric-pattern metal casement windows, while the central octagon features multi-pane windows. The roofs are made of grey slate, with the octagonal tower roof topped by a ball finial. The property is also adorned with ashlar copes and cast-iron railings with finials. Additionally, there are two cast-iron lamps mounted on the railings, each with glass globes.