221 West 70th Street

221 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.

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 (replaced sashes); historically contained curved sashes at bay windows (replaced sashes).

Significant Architectural Features: 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 splayed lintels at second and third stories, relieving arches with foliate keystones at fourth story, and richly-carved window surrounds with cartouche details at upper half-story; curved bays at second and third stories, capped by limestone balconette; bracketed cornice, continuous with other houses of the row.

Alterations: Original stoop and areaway sidewalls removed from western bay at first story (after c. 1939 tax photograph but prior to c. 1980 tax photograph); new door and concrete-and-masonry stoop installed at eastern bay at first story (after c. 1939 tax photograph but prior to c. 1980s tax photograph); window openings shortened at first and second stories (after c. 1939 tax photograph but prior to c. 1980s tax photograph); replaced sashes (one-over-one double-hung sashes present in c. 1939 tax photograph); through-wall air conditioners at first, second and third stories; light fixtures at main entry; intercom and address plaque to west of main entry.

Building Notes: Part of a larger row of five row houses (215 to 223 West 70th Street), designed in an ABBBA pattern.

Site Features: Non-historic metal handrails at stoop; concrete steps descend into areaway.

South Facade: Designed (historic, refaced and painted at basement and first story)
Stoop: Replaced
Door(s): Replaced primary door; non-historic door at basement entry
Windows: Replaced
Security Grilles: Not historic (first story)
Cornice: Original
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Non-historic metal gate at entry to areaway
Areaway Paving Material(s): Concrete
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension