263 West 70th Street
263 West 70th Street
NB Number: ALT 3170-1920
Type: Rowhouse
Architect: Ewing & Allen and undetermined Not determined (c. 1885-89); Ewing & Allen (1920)
Developer/Owner/Builder: Not determined (c. 1885-89); Peter Anselmo (1920)
Row Configuration: This building appears to have been constructed between 1885 and 1889, likely as part of a larger row of three-story and basement rowhouses.
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: Romanesque Revival with alterations
Primary Facade: Brick and Masonry
Stories: 4 and basement
Significant Architectural Features: Foliate panels, molded lintels, and molded sills at third story; molded cornice above third story
Alterations: Stoop removed, new basement entry installed, facade-length porch added, and fourth-story added (ALT 3170-1920; see also “Building Notes”); replaced sashes (multi-paned sashes present in c. 1939 tax photograph); window openings at fourth story altered (all appear to be wider; outer window openings appear shortened); metal rails at first story (above porch) and at fourth story; screen windows at third and fourth stories; transom at main entry; light fixture at main entry; drain pipe at basement; small sign to west of main entry.
Building Notes: This building appears to have been constructed between 1885 and 1889, likely as part of a larger row of three-story and basement rowhouses. It is unclear when a fourth-story was added to the building, but it may have been part of the 1920 alteration that also called for removal of the stoop and addition of the new porch (ALT 3170-1920).
Site Features: Very low masonry step at main entry (painted); brick stairs (painted) descend into areaway; metal handrails at stairs.
Notable History and Residents: By 1888, this row house had come to be used exclusively as a clubhouse for the Manhattan Bicycle Club. As noted in their 1888 newsletter, “a handsomer little club house is not to be found.” It was noted in a later newsletter that “the house is situated in a block of artistic residences” and that “West End Avenue, which is only a few yards away” will give club members “a good riding surface to the drives of Riverside and the Park.”
References: “The New House of the Manhattan Bicycle Club,” Cycling Trade Review (April 2, 1888; May 4, 1888); “Wheelmen and their Friends,” New York Times, July 21, 1888, 5.
South Facade: Designed (historic, painted, resurfaced)
Stoop: Removed
Porch(es): Historic alteration
Door(s): Replaced primary door
Windows: Replaced (upper stories); replaced (basement)
Security Grilles: Not historic (first story); possibly historic (basement)
Cornice: Possibly historic
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Brick walls (painted) with non-historic metal fencing
Areaway Paving Material(s): Red square ceramic tiles
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal
East Facade: Not designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Partially visible over the roofline of neighboring buildings; painted
Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension