259 West 70th Street

259 West 70th Street

NB Number: NB  773-1895

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  Keister, George

Developer/Owner/Builder: James O’Brien

Row Configuration: Three row houses (nos. 257, 259 and 261) constructed under the same new building application in an AAB pattern. Nos. 259 and 261 are mirror images.

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:  Renaissance Revival

Primary Facade:   Brick and Masonry

Stories: 4 and basement

Decorative Metal Work: Possibly historic screen door at main entry

Significant Architectural Features: Small molded cornice above first story, continuous with no. 261; bay windows at second and third stories, flanked by decorative pilasters with Ionic capitals (shared with no. 261) and capped by a molded cornice; slightly projecting window surrounds at fourth story match those at nos. 257 and 261; molded cornice, continuous with nos. 257 and 261; projecting masonry main entry portico features balustraded balconette on fluted Ionic columns (paired with no. 261); low-rising, L-shaped stoop with heavy, curved masonry sidewalls and balustrade.

Alterations: Splayed masonry lintels at bay windows apparently shaved (after c. 1939 tax  47 photograph); masonry colonette with small Ionic capital removed from first-story window opening (after c. 1939 tax photograph; before c. 1980s tax photograph); replaced sashes (fixed sash with stained-glass transom present at second story and one-over-one double-hung sashes present at other window openings in c. 1939 tax photograph; possibly curved sashes historically); light fixture at main entry; intercom at main entry.

Building Notes: Three row houses (nos. 257, 259 and 261) constructed under the same new building application in an AAB pattern. Nos. 259 and 261 are mirror images.

Site Features: Non-historic metal gate at entry to areaway.

South Facade: Designed (historic, painted)
Stoop: Painted stoop (gate under stoop – not visible)
Door(s): Possibly historic primary door
Windows: Replaced (upper stories); possibly historic (basement)
Security Grilles: Not historic (first story); possibly original (basement)
Cornice: Original
Areaway Paving Material(s): Masonry (painted)
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension