217 West 70th Street

217 West 70th Street

NB Number: NB  225-1893

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  True, Clarence

Developer/Owner/Builder: H. Chaffee

Row Configuration: Part of a larger row of five row houses (215 to 223 West 70th Street), designed
in an ABBBA pattern. Of the three “B” type buildings, this is the only one with the main entry to
the west and the window opening to the east at the first story.

NYC Landmarks Designation:  Historic District

Landmark Designation Report:

Addendum to the West End-Collegiate Historic District Extension Designation Report

National Register Designation: N/A

Primary Style:  Romanesque Revival

Primary Facade:   Brick, Buff Roman Brick, Limestone, and Roman Brick

Stories: 4 1/2 and basement

Special Windows: Cross-shaped window openings at upper half story; arch-headed window openings at fourth story (sashes replaced); historically contained curved sashes at bay windows (sashes replaced).

Significant Architectural Features: Rusticated limestone at basement and first story, capped by a small molded cornice that is continuous with all of the houses of this row; Roman brick upper stories with limestone details including lintels at second and third stories, with foliate keystones at arched fourth story, and richly-carved window surrounds with cartouche details at upper half story; curved bays at second and third stories, capped by balustraded limestone balconette; bracketed cornice, continuous with other houses of the row; heavy, solid stoop sidewalls with fretted molding continuous with facade.

Alterations: Replaced sashes (one-over-one double-hung sashes present in c. 1939 tax photograph; possibly contained French doors at second story); light fixture at main entry; light fixture at basement entry; address plaque at basement entry; sidelight with intercom at basement.

Building Notes: Part of a larger row of five row houses (215 to 223 West 70th Street), designed in an ABBBA pattern. Of the three “B” type buildings, this is the only one with the main entry to the west and the window opening to the east at the first story.

Site Features: Concrete steps with non-historic metal handrail descend to basement entry; nonhistoric metal fencing and gate at entrance to stoop; non-historic metal fencing at areaway.

South Facade: Designed (historic)
Stoop: Historic stoop (possibly historic gate under stoop)
Door(s): Possibly historic (painted) primary door; non-historic door at basement entry
Windows: Replaced
Security Grilles: Historic (first story)
Cornice: Original
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Low limestone wall with fretted molding on granite base
(matching stoop)                                                                                                                                                                                  Areaway Paving Material(s): Concrete
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension