253 West 70th Street
253 West 70th Street
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 251 West 70th Street in 1978 (ALT 318-1978). Together with 251 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 this house (the central house) 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
Primary Facade: Brick, Metal, Red Brick, Sandstone, and Terra Cotta
Stories: 3 and basement
Special Windows: Stained-glass transoms, curved at outer edges of oriel window (original); outer bays of oriel window historically featured curved sashes (replaced); possibly historic multi-light transom above main entry
Decorative Metal Work: Oriel window at second story with faux rivets, garland details, and decorative base with foliate bracket; possibly original or historic handrails and posts at stoop
Significant Architectural Features: Large round-arched opening at first story with recessed facade behind; metal oriel window at second story (see “Decorative Metal Work”); segmental arched opening at third story, with recessed facade behind; front-facing gable above third story with molded terra-cotta coping, geometrically-arranged blocks with foliate details, and a foliate pinnacle
Alterations: Smaller openings beneath basement window openings filled in; light fixtures at main entry; address tiles to west of main entry
Building Notes: This row house was combined with the house at 251 West 70th Street in 1978 (ALT 318-1978). Together with 251 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 this house (the central house) the appearance of a grand main entry for all three buildings.
Site Features: Concrete or masonry stairs descend into areaway (painted)
South Facade: Designed (historic, repointed, resurfaced at basement)
Stoop: Resurfaced stoop (gate under stoop – replaced)
Porch(es): Historic
Door(s): Possibly historic primary door; non-historic basement entry door under stoop
Windows: Replaced (upper stories); replaced (basement)
Security Grilles: Possibly historic (first story); possibly historic (basement)
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Low concrete planter (stuccoed and painted to match masonry); possibly historic metal fencing
Areaway Paving Material(s): Square paving blocks
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal
Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension