638 West End Avenue

 

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638 West End Avenue

 

Date: 1899-1901 NB Number: NB 2000-1899 Type:  Rowhouse Architect:  Lamb, Hugh Developer/Owner/Builder: Realty Improvement Co Row Configuration: AB NYC Landmarks Designation:  Historic District Landmark Designation Report: Riverside Drive- West End Historic District National Register Designation: N/A Primary Style:  Beaux-Arts Primary Facade:   Limestone, Red Brick, and Stone Stories: 5 Window Type/Material: SIx-over-One/Wood Basement Type: American Structure:  This pair of five story houses with American basements is composed of one house on the southeast corner of West End Avenue and West 91st Street and another on the south side of West 91st Street. Both houses are faced in red brick laid in Flemish bond with smooth ashlar limestone coursing at the first story and stone trim above. The facades are enhanced by entrance porticoes and classically inspired window surrounds. Although quite similar, the A and B types have several distinguishing features. This pair matches another located at the southern end of the West End Avenue block front. West End Avenue Facade: The A type house is located at 638 West End Avenue. The first story entrance is located at the south; it is fronted by a limestone portico with a cluster of three Ionic columns at each side while the door is flanked by two Ionic pilasters at each side. The fence enclosing the areaway is the original wrought iron with cast finials. To the north of the door is a window in a keyed surround. The original wood and glass door is extant. Above the portico is a balcony with a cast stone balustrade. The second story has two window openings with limestone surrounds that have scrolled brackets supporting modillioned lintels. The third story window openings have limestone surrounds and scrolled keystones. A limestone cornice caps this story. The fourth story is faced with limestone coursing that alternates with brick. All of the windows contain six-over-one wood sash. Modillions support the dentiled iron cornice above. The hip roof has a dormer with a swan neck pediment and a chimney at the south side. A shallow return of the facade is located at the south side of the building. West 91st Street Facade: The West 91st Street facade features the same overall design and articulation of detail as the West End Avenue facade. Three bays wide, the center bays of the second and third stories project slightly, with stone balustrades marking the top and bottom of the projection. Chimneys and three dormers punctuate the roof. Historic District: Riverside Drive- West End HD Alterations:  The first story has been painted beige as far around the corner as the balcony, where repairs are also evident. The second story windows have pink glass block surrounds. Storm windows are present at all stories. Two recent light fixtures flank the door. History: Designed as a two house row in conjunction with a matching pair at the opposite end of the West End Avenue block front, these buildings were designed by the well known New York architect Hugh Lamb for the Realty Improvement Company and built in 1899-1901. Selected Reference: New York City Department of Taxes Photograph Collection, Municipal Archives and Record Collection, G 2031; G 2032.