253 West 73rd Street

253 West 73rd Street

NB Number: NB 248-1925

Type:  Institutional

Architect:  Clinton & Russell, Wells, Holton & George

Developer/Owner/Builder: Level Club Inc

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:   Brick, Cast Stone, Granite, and Terra Cotta

Stories: 16

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Decorative Metal Work: Sidewalk canopy ties.

Significant Architectural Features: Complex massing with series of setbacks at the upper floors; two pavilions rise into towers that frame a central section having monumental columns, set on corbels in the form of the heads of King Solomon and Hiram Abiff (the Masons’ allegorical builder of Solomon’s Temple) and supporting bronze globes; exotic ornamentation with signs and symbols relating to the Masons.

Alterations: Light fixtures underneath historic sidewalk canopy; air conditioner equipment at eastern end of roof; multi-story brick rooftop addition at western end.

Building Notes: Four possibly historic light fixtures by main entrance. Historic tax map lot 7 (presently condo lots 1001-1160).

Notable History and Residents: Built as the Level Club and Masonic Hotel, later known as Hotel Lismore (by 1933), Riverside Plaza Hotel (1936-76; used as a SRO by the 1970s), Riverside House (1976-82; operated by Phoenix House Foundation), and currently known as the Level Club (since 1983-84; residential condominiums). The Level Club was a Masonic organization that was founded in 1919, this building served as a clubhouse and hotel, the organization filed for bankruptcy in 1930. The building replaced eight row houses.

South Facade: Designed (historic)
Door(s): Replaced primary door; probably non-historic doors in two western bays; non-historic garage door in westernmost bay
Windows: Replaced
Security Grilles: Possibly historic (upper stories)
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Granite

East Facade: Designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Brick facade; polychrome terra-cotta decoration at parapet; replacement sash; water tower.

West Facade: Designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Brick facade; polychrome terra-cotta decoration at parapet; replacement sash; multi-story brick rooftop addition.

North Facade: Partially designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Brick facade; polychrome terra-cotta decoration at tower parapet; replacement sash; terraces; visible rooftop addition; water tower on eastern end.