2 Riverside Drive

2 Riverside Drive

Date: 1961-64

NB Number: NB 222-1961

Type:  Apartment Building

Architect:  

Developer/Owner/Builder: Erwin & Leah Polk (aka Irwin Polk)

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:  None

Primary Facade:   Brick, brown brick, and Buff brick

Stories: 6

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Alterations: Areas of replaced brick; replaced sashes (1990); intercom at main entry; wood panel with address at main entry; vent opening in facade at first story

Building Notes: This prominent tax lot, located between two of the Upper West Side’s grandest town houses, remained vacant until construction of this six-story cooperative apartment house in  the mid-1960s. At the time of its construction, all of the apartments consisted of one-and-a-half rooms, varying in configuration. The developer (Mr. Polk), a violinist, planned the apartments to appeal to musicians, artists, teachers, and other professionals.

Site Features: Two-step stoop at main entry with metal handrail; planting beds framed by low red-brick curbs in front of elevation, enclose two in-ground metal hatch doors.

West Facade:
Door(s): Not historic primary door; not historic service door
Windows: Replaced
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Masonry

South Facade: Not designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Buff brick
Alterations: Replaced brick towards roofline at western end of elevation

North Facade: Not designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Buff brick