250 West 82nd Street: Saxony

250 West 82nd Street

NB Number: NB 722-1899

Type:  

Architect:  Stein Cohen & Roth

Developer/Owner/Builder: Albert Saxe

NYC Landmarks Designation:  Historic District

Landmark Designation Report: Riverside Drive – West End Historic District Extension I

National Register Designation: N/A

Primary Style:  Beaux-Arts

Primary Facade:   Brick, Limestone, and Terra Cotta

Stories: 7

Structure:  Significant Architectural Features: Two story rusticated stone base; arched entrance with broken pediment with elaborate decoration; window hoods and balconettes at second story; stone or terra cotta window surrounds (third story pedimented, fourth story with pinecone corbels); quoins and pilasters with decorative bands; bas relief and marble panels alternating with windows at sixth story; brick and stone at seventh story; cornice; parapet incorporating pediments of seventh-story windows; Decorative Metal Work: Metal balcony railings

Site Features: Non-historic metal fence on stone curb; planting bed; concrete steps with non-historic railing; diamond plate hatch; Other structures on site: Non-historic, shared lobby with 254 West 82nd Street, see 254 West 82nd Street for description

North Facade: Designed (historic, painted, altered) Stoop: Removed Door(s): Altered primary door; non-historic (first story and basement) Windows: Mixed Security Grilles: Not historic (upper stories) Storefront(s): Altered Cornice: Original Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete Curb Material(s): Stone; concrete with metal nosing at corner Areaway Wall/Fence Materials: Non-historic metal fence Areaway Paving Material: Concrete

East Facade: Designed (historic, altered) Facade Notes: Historic fire escape altered; storefronts replaced; balconettes removed at second story; windows replaced; non-historic railing at roof with lights; cell phone antennas on roof

West Facade: Not designed (historic) (partially visible) Facade Notes: Red brick; full-height pipe; fire escape; windows replaced, windows at sixth and seventh story infilled; non-historic grille at seventh story

Historic District: Riverside Drive-West End HD Extension I

Alterations: First story painted; historic main entrance infilled and stoop removed; new entrance with stoop, metal railings, and metal-and-glass door; metal door in basement; some windows replaced; first-story windows infilled, one reconfigured as a louvered vent; second story window removed; louvered vents at basement, one with non-historic grille; double balconette removed; balconette railing removed; cornice altered; fire escape; camera or light; railing and lights on roof; commemorative plaque

History: 250 West 82nd Street, the “Saxony” was the first apartment building designed by the prominent architect Emery Roth. In 1930, the building was still largely tenanted by families and their servants, but one apartment had been transformed into a lodging house for 18 people presaging the building’s conversion to single room occupancy in 1942. The process of reconversion to an apartment building began in 1967 and was completed by 1977.