103 Riverside Drive

103 Riverside Drive

Date: 1898-99; 1910

NB Number: NB 730-1898; ALT 2773-11910

Type: Rowhouse

Architect: Clinton & Russell and True, Clarence

Developer/Owner/Builder: Clarence F. True

NYC Landmarks Designation:  Historic District

Landmark Designation Report: Riverside Drive – West End Historic District Extension I

Landmark Individual Landmark Report: 103 Riverside Drive

Primary Style: Elizabethan Revival

Primary Facade: Limestone and Tan Ironspot Roman Brick

Stories: 5 stories

Decorative Metal Work: Historic grille and gate

Significant Architectural Features: L-shaped plan; round-arched entrance with keyed surrounds and carved reveals; metal-and-glass door; round-arched window with keyed surround and decorative grille; pedimented windows at second story; triple windows with keyed surround at third story; round-arched windows at fourth story; pedimented dormer incorporated into front wall extension; cornice (historic to 1910-11); west-facing bay of courtyard; fourth story fenestration similar to street facade; window with molded surround at second story and flared lintel at the third story; dormer with broken scroll pediment; chimney

Site Features: One-story extension across courtyard with arched service entrance; historic gate; security grilled at second story

Notable History and Residents: Elbridge Gerry Snow Jr., a prominent insurance man and his wife, Maud, purchased 103 Riverside Drive in 1906. Snow was associated with the Home Insurance Company of New York, from 1862 to 1925, and served as its president from 1903 to 1925. Amelia Bingham, a popular actress and the first American female theatrical producer purchased the house in 1911 and resided there until her death in 1927. The house was converted into a multiple dwelling in 1929. It was returned to single-family usage prior to 1987. The building was designated a New York City Landmark in 1991 (LP-1672).

Historic District: Riverside Drive-West End HD Extension I

Building Notes: As a result of a 1903 lawsuit, the facade, which originally had a bow front and low stoop was redesigned by Clinton & Russell in 1910 to conform to the Riverside Drive property line. The front facade was dismantled and built using the original materials. with some modifications. The third story windows were altered between 1911 and 1940. The parapet above the main entrance and the front dormer finials were removed prior to 1991.

Alterations: Windows replaced (prior to 1991); facade cleaned and resurfaced (LPC 01-3629); stoop resurfaced; decorative element removed from molding of main entrance; roof partially replaced (PLC 08-4822); upper cornice and pediment replaced; leader replaced; doorbell; non-historic lights (non entrances); house number plaque; camera or motion sensor above service entrance; gate and security grille above reinforced with metal mesh; remote utility meter; dish antenna; railing with metal box and conduit on roof