261 West 70th Street
261 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
Significant Architectural Features: Small molded cornice above first story, continuous with no. 259; bay windows at second and third stories, flanked by decorative pilasters with Ionic capitals (shared with no. 259) and capped by a molded cornice; slightly projecting window surrounds at fourth story match those at nos. 257 and 259; molded cornice, continuous with nos. 257 and 259; projecting masonry main entry portico featuring balustraded balconette on fluted Ionic columns (paired with no. 259); 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 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.
Notable History and Residents: Controversial “master builder” Robert Moses occupied this house with his wife Mary and two daughters from c. 1918 to 1929, a period during which he was consolidating his power and beginning his foray into large scale public work projects. He was appointed as New York Secretary of State in 1927 apparently while living at this address. Moses also had a second home in Babylon, New York during this era. Moses’s mother Bella appears to have been the owner of the home and may have lived with the family.
References: Stephen W. Plumb, “Same Tour: A Colorful Upper West Side Neighborhood,” http://www.plumden.com (accessed December 4, 2012); “Three Flats Sold on the East Side,” New York Times, June 13, 1929, 52; U.S. Census, 1920 and 1930.
South Facade: Designed (historic, painted)
Stoop: Painted stoop (gate under stoop – possibly original)
Door(s): Altered primary door
Windows: Replaced (upper stories); replaced (basement)
Security Grilles: Not historic (first story); possibly original (basement)
Cornice: Original
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Metal gate at entrance to areaway
Areaway Paving Material(s): Masonry (painted)
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal
Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension