221 West 71st Street

221 West 71st Street

NB Number: NB 242-1919

Type:  Apartment Building

Architect:  Ajello, Gaetan

Developer/Owner/Builder: 225 W 71st Street Corporation

Row Configuration: One of three very similar buildings designed by Gaetan Ajello on this block (the others are no. 220 and no. 231, the latter being the least similar and most altered).

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:  Renaissance Revival

Primary Facade:   Brick, Granite, Limestone, Red Brick, and Terra Cotta

Stories: 9 and penthouse

Special Windows: Segmental-arched window openings above main entry (probably originally featured segmental-arched upper sashes, replaced).

Significant Architectural Features: Tripartite vertical configuration; two-story brick base with terra-cotta details including hooded lintels at second story and a molded terra-cotta cornice; molded terra-cotta sills and recessed brick panels at shaft; one-story brick capital with terra-cotta details including hooded lintels and a molded terra-cotta cornice; double-height limestone main entry portico; granite base trim.

Alterations: Replacement sash throughout (one-over-one double-hung sashes at time of c. 1939  tax photograph); service entry and transom filled-in towards western end of facade; lights at main entry; small sign to right of main entry.

Building Notes: One of three very similar buildings designed by Gaetan Ajello on this block (the others are no. 220 and no. 231, the latter being the least similar and most altered). Possibly historic molded and paneled metal doors and door enframement at main entry. Penthouse not visible from street.

Site Features: Concrete-and-metal steps descend to service entry towards western end of southern facade (painted); large in-ground metal vents to west of main entry; in-ground metal hatch to right of main entry.

South Facade: Designed (historic, repointed, particularly at lintels)
Door(s): Possibly historic primary door
Windows: Replaced
Security Grilles: Not historic (upper stories)
Cornice: Original
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete

East Facade: Not designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Red brick; terra-cotta details from primary (south) facade wrap slightly at southern end of elevation as flush bands
Alterations: Parged towards upper stories

West Facade: Not designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Same as east facade
Alterations: Repointed; parged at upper stories

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension