240 West 71st Street

240 West 71st Street

NB Number: NB 515-1892

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  Thom & Wilson

Developer/Owner/Builder: J. A. Frame

Row Configuration: Part of a row of ten houses (236 through 254 West 71st Street), designed to appear as five independent, non-identical pairs. Nine of the houses remain (nos. 238 through 254). This building’s “partner” is no. 242. This pair is nearly identical in appearance to the pair at nos. 248 and 250 (the latter pair retains more details).

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:  Romanesque Revival with alterations

Primary Facade:   Brownstone

Stories: 3 and basement

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Special Windows: Curved sashes historically at oriel (sashes replaced)

Significant Architectural Features: Molded window surrounds with rounded corners at first and third stories; oriel window at second story on decorative corbel with sculptural mask pendant drop and conical cap; small cherub-faced corbels at second story; bracketed cornice with wreaths at frieze.

Alterations: Stoop removed, original main entry converted to window opening, and new main entry installed at basement level (after c. 1939 tax photograph but prior to c. 1980s tax photograph); replaced sashes (historic configuration not determined); opening beneath western basement window opening darkened; non-historic infill at opening beneath eastern basement window opening; molding possibly simplified at first-story window surround (see 242 West 71st Street for comparison); light fixtures at new main entry; intercom and doorbell at main entry; conduit towards western edge of elevation at basement.

Site Features: Concrete-and-metal stairs with metal rails descend into areaway; in-ground metal hatch doors within areaway.

North Facade: Designed (historic, resurfaced)
Stoop: Removed
Door(s): Replaced primary door
Windows: Replaced (upper stories); replaced (basement)
Security Grilles: Possibly historic (basement)
Cornice: Original
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Metal railing
Areaway Paving Material(s): Slate paving at new main entry, concrete elsewhere
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal