251 West 70th Street

251 West 70th Street

Date: 1885-86

NB Number: NB  1068-1885

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  Youngs, W. H. W.

Developer/Owner/Builder: E. Stanton Riker

Row Configuration: This row house was combined with the house at 253 West 70th Street in 1978, and many of the alterations (such as the removal of the stoop) may date to this time (ALT 318-1978). Together with 253 and 255 West 70th Street, the three homes were meant to be read as one large house. They were designed in an ABA pattern in such a way as to give the central house (no. 253) the appearance of a grand main entry for all three buildings.

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:  Queen Anne with alterations

Primary Facade:   Brick, Red Brick, Sandstone, and Terra Cotta

Stories: 3 and basement

Special Windows: Round-arched openings at first story, containing possibly original leaded quarter-round sashes (present in c. 1939 tax photograph); three stained-glass transoms at oriel window; leaded upper sashes at third-story and basement window openings (present in c. 1939 tax photograph).

Significant Architectural Features: Round-arched openings at first story, articulated by relieving arches supported on pilasters with decorative terra-cotta corbels; oriel window at second story on corbelled brick base and featuring floral terra-cotta details and molded sandstone cornice; terracotta parapet with arcaded balustrade and foliate detailing, continuous with 253 and 255 West 70th Street.

Building Notes: This row house was combined with the house at 253 West 70th Street in 1978, and many of the alterations (such as the removal of the stoop) may date to this time (ALT 318-1978). Together with 253 and 255 West 70th Street, the three homes were meant to be read as one large house. They were designed in an ABA pattern in such a way as to give the central house (no. 253) the appearance of a grand main entry for all three buildings. Leaded windows are present in the c. 1939 tax photograph, which shows the original main-entry configuration of this house. It appears that when the original main entry was converted to a window, replica sashes were created for the new opening.

Site Features: Concrete stairs descend into areaway; non-historic handrail at eastern sidewall within areaway

South Facade: Designed (historic, repointed, resurfaced at basement)
Stoop: Removed
Door(s): Replaced primary door
Windows: Mixed (upper stories); possibly historic or original (basement)
Security Grilles: Possibly historic (basement)
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Planters (non original; stuccoed and painted to match masonry)
Areaway Paving Material(s): Square paving blocks
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Alterations: Stoop removed, arched-opening at first story converted to window (with sashes,vmullions and other details to match window at eastern opening), and new main entry installed at basement level (after c. 1939 tax photograph but before c. 1980s tax photograph); light fixture at main entry; intercom at main entry