253 West 72nd Street

253 West 72nd Street (former) Westover Hotel; (later) West Pierre

NB Number: NB 709-1925

Type:  Apartment Building

Architect:  Schwartz & Gross  (Louis Kamper, associate)

Developer/Owner/Builder: 253-263 West 72nd Street Corporation (J. Burgess Book, Jr., president)

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, Buff brick, and Limestone

Stories: 22 and 2-story penthouse

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Special Windows: Some historic eight-over-one double-hung sashes at second, third and fourth stories (present in c. 1939 tax photograph)

Significant Architectural Features: Three-story limestone base with brick above; limestone cartouches at third and above 13th story; limestone window surrounds at fourth story; balustraded balconettes at fourth and set-back upper stories, bracketed at center of elevation at 20th story; ogee pediment with wreath details at 20th story; canopy at main entry suspended from second story; molded masonry door surround at service entry towards eastern end

Alterations: Replaced brick at eastern edge of facade above seventh story; other areas of replaced brick, particularly where structure lintels replaced; commercial window openings and original service entry to west of main entry altered, including removal of molded door surround (after c. 1939 tax photograph); painted at first and second stories; replaced sashes, except where noted (see “Special Windows”; one-over-one double-hung sashes present above fifth story in c. 1939 tax photograph); non-original or altered canopy at main entry (a canopy is present in the c. 1939 tax photograph for the neighboring building, but the present canopy appears altered); commercial signage west of main entry; commercial awnings east of main entry

Building Notes: The (former) Westover Hotel was built by J. Burgess Book, Jr., president of the Book-Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, who opted to hire Detroit-based architect Louis Kamper, in association with the firm Schwartz & Gross, to design this New York City apartment hotel. At the time of construction, this building contained six small shops at first story that were altered over time into one large commercial space west of the main entry and two commercial spaces to the east. The storefronts were originally finished with gold bronze fronts. The polished black masonry facing at the main entry is not original but may be historic. Early advertisements for this building touted it as “New York’s Newest and Smartest Mid-Town Hotel,” offering an “aristocratic air” with “perfect accessibility.” The rooms in this apartment hotel ranged from one to three rooms, and could be converted to larger apartments. The building was designed to accommodate 250 families. Complete hotel and maid service was included in every lease. The building was converted to rental apartments in 1968-69.

References: Display Advertisement, New York Times, July 25, 1926, RE11; “West 72d St. Hotel to Cost $3,000,000,” New York Times, September 12, 1926, RE2; New York City Department of Buildings, New Building Application Dockets.

Notable History and Residents: The 1973 murder of a 28-year old tenant in the building became the inspiration for the 1975 novel “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” and the 1977 film by the same  name. Actress Diane Keaton won the Golden Globe award for best actress for her role in the film.

South Facade: Designed (historic)
Door(s): Replaced primary door; non-original service doors
Windows: Mixed
Storefront(s): Altered
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal

East Facade: Not designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Painted or parged brick

West Facade: Not designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Some areas of replaced brick at upper stories, particularly towards southern edge of facade and where structural lintels replaced