271 West 72nd Street

271 West 72nd Street

 

Date: 1895-97

NB Number: NB 1735-1895

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  Schellenger, Gilbert A.

Developer/Owner/Builder: Spencer Aldrich

Row Configuration: Originally constructed as a single family home, this building is unusual for not having been designed as part of a larger row.

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, Buff Roman Brick, Roman Brick, and Sandstone

Stories:  4 and basement

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Special Windows: Round-arched openings at fourth story (sashes replaced)

Significant Architectural Features: Roman brick facade with rusticated and richly-carved sandstone elements throughout, including panels with foliate reliefs, quoins at window openings, molded bands and cornices, and relieving arches supported on pilasters; rounded turret at corner of West End Avenue and West 72nd Street culminates in a conical roof; gables and dormers further enliven the primary (south), west, and north facades.

Alterations: Restored in 2007 (see “Building Notes”); original, ornate stoop and main entry portico removed (ALT 225-1950); facade replaced and new storefronts installed at first and second stories (ALT 225-1950); metal facing and guardrail at second-story commercial space; metal guardrail above second story; wrap-around awning at first-story commercial space.

Building Notes: Originally constructed as a single family home, this building is unusual for not having been designed as part of a larger row. In 2007, the building underwent a large-scale restoration undertaken by the firm Architecture Restoration Conservation, which supervised a program of cleaning, repointing, replacing copper trim, installing a new slate roof, and completely reconstructing the original turret.

References: Christopher Gray, “Where Town Met Country,” New York Times, April 15, 2007, J9.

South Facade: Designed (historic)
Stoop: Removed
Windows: Replaced
Storefront(s): Not original
Roof: Replaced (pitched – slate (replaced))
Notable Roof Features: Conical roof at tower, pitched at west facade
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Masonry

West Facade: Designed (historic, altered)

Special Windows: Round-arched openings at second story and at fourth story at turret (replaced
sashes)
Decorative Metal Work: Copper facing at dormers towards northern end of facade; anthemion
cresting at roofline
Significant Architectural Features: See primary (south) facade
Alterations: Original stoop and porch removed, basement simplified, first story altered to consist of a small commercial service entry towards northern end of facade and a residential entry within an addition at the northern end of the facade, and new storefronts installed at first and second stories towards southern end of facade (ALT 225-1950); painted at basement level and part of first story (possibly painted glass block); windows partially bricked in at second bay from southern end of facade at third and fourth stories, leaving a smaller window opening; some replacement brick within decorative sandstone panels at first bay from southern end of facade;metal facing and guard rail at second-story commercial space; replaced sashes (non-historicsashes and other infill throughout; not visible in c. 1939 tax photograph); awning projects onto sidewalk at residential entry; see “Building Notes” section of primary (south) facade for information on a 2007 restoration.
Site Features: Cast-stone step at residential entry; concrete steps with non-historic handrails descend to partially below-grade commercial service entry; plywood fencing and gate at entrance to northern service alley; in-ground metal hatch doors in sidewalk.
Windows: Replaced
Stoop(s): Removed
Porch(es): Removed
Door(s): Non-historic doors and sidelights at residential entry and at commercial service entry
Storefront(s): Not original
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Granite

North Facade: Designed (historic)
Significant Architectural Features: See primary (south) facade
Decorative Metal Work: Copper facing at dormers
Alterations: Parged and/or painted, including at northern facade of residential entry pavilion; large HVAC units
Windows: Possibly historic
Security Grilles: Possibly historic (but not original)

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