626 West End Avenue
Â
626 West End Avenue
Â
Date:Â 1896-1897
NB Number:Â NB 869-1896
Type: Â Rowhouse
Architect: Â Pelham, George F.
Developer/Owner/Builder:Â William L Crow
Row Configuration: ABBAABBA
NYC Landmarks Designation:Â Historic District
Landmark Designation Report:Â Â Riverside Drive- West End Historic District
National Register Designation:Â N/A
Primary Style: Â Renaissance Revival
Primary Facade: Â Â Brownstone
Stories:Â 5
Window Type/Material:Â One-over-one double-hung/Wood
Basement Type:Â Unknown
Stoop Type:Â Unknown
Structure:  These eight five story houses (originally four stories plus basement) were designed as a row unified by brownstone facing, projecting bays or oriels, and common string courses and cornice and sill lines. The row occupies the east side of the block front (except for the corner properties) between West 90th and 91st Streets. Each house is nineteen feet wide except for No. 636 which is seventeen and a half feet wide. The row is arranged in a symmetrical configuration of ABBAABBA (from south to north). Historically each house had a stoop and areaway fronted by a low parapet. The historic window type is one-over-one double-hung wood sash. Basement level and cellar windows are fronted by wrought iron grilles.
The B type houses (Nos. 624, 626, 632, and 634) are distinguished by coursed brownstone at the ground story, a three story projecting bowed bay extending from the ground level through the third story, an elaborate foliate entrance surround (converted to a window except at No. 634), a double window with central carved panel above the bay, and bulls-eye windows set in laurel leaf surrounds.
Historic District: Riverside Drive- West End HD
Alterations:  The entire facade has been resurfaced in yellow brick now painted gray. The stoop has been removed and a basement level entrance created. The original entrance has been converted into a window. A wrought iron fence fronts the areaway. All original detailing has been covered, window sash replaced, and the cornice has been removed.
History:Â This row of eight buildings was designed by the prolific New York architect George F. Pelham, whose work is well represented in the district. Built in 1896-97 for developer William L. Crow and the builder James W. Taylor, also known as Crow & Taylor, the buildings were constructed in the course of eight months. Selected Reference: New York City Department of Taxes Photograph Collection, Municipal Archives and Record Collection, G 2031.