239 West 72nd Street

239 West 72nd Street 

Date: c. 1891-1897

NB Number: NB

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  Charles Buek

Developer/Owner/Builder: Not Determined

NYC Landmarks Designation:  Historic District

Landmark Designation Report: placeholder

National Register Designation: N/A

Primary Style:  Renaissance Revival with alterations

Primary Facade:   Brick, Limestone, and Orange Brick

Stories: 4 and basement

Historic District: West End Collegiate Historic District Extension

Special Windows: Round-arched window openings at fourth story (sashes replaced)

Significant Architectural Features: Limestone details at window openings including Gibbs surrounds, voussoired lintels with foliate keystones, and engaged Corinthian columns; bay window at eastern portion of second story featuring cornice with anthemion molding; modillioned cornice with foliate frieze at roofline

Alterations: Stoops removed and storefronts introduced at the basement and first stories of each house (at western house prior to c. 1939 tax photograph; at eastern house afterward c. 1939 tax photograph); presently contains one main (residential) entry, two commercial spaces at the basement level, and two commercial spaces at the first story; replaced sashes (one-over-one double-hung sashes present in c. 1930s tax photograph); commercial signage and awnings at basement and first-story storefronts, including vertical sign towards eastern side of facade at first story; commercial signboxes to east of residential entry

Building Notes: Based on historic maps, this building was constructed between 1891 and 1897. The lot dimensions fall within the range of the five row houses constructed as part of the Department of Buildings new building application NB 1716-1895; however the appearance of the building is significantly different from those, and so it was more likely constructed at a later time.

References: G.W. Bromley & Co., Atlas, City of New York (New York: Geo. W. Bromley & E. Robinson, 1891); G.W. Bromley & Co., Atlas, City of New York (New York: Geo. W. Bromley & E. Robinson, 1897); New York City Department of Buildings, New Building Application Dockets.

Site Features: In-ground metal hatch in sidewalk

South Facade: Designed (historic)
Stoop: Removed
Door(s): Replaced primary door
Windows: Replaced
Storefront(s): Altered
Cornice: Original
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Masonry