256 West 71st Street
256 West 71st Street – Septuagesimo Uno Park
Type: Park
Architect: Department of Parks & Recreation
Developer/Owner/Builder: Department of Parks & Recreation
Row Configuration: One of six row houses designed in 1892 by M.V.B. Ferdon
previously stood on the lot (NB 725-1892; demolished c. 1967 (DP 320-67 ); all of the remaining
houses still stand).
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: N/A
Primary Facade: Not determined
Stories: Not determined
Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension
Description: Park Description: The landscaping of Septuagesimo Uno Park consists of several benches surrounded by well-maintained gardens enclosed in wooden frames and accessed by a brick-paved walkway. Among the notable plantings within the park is a dense thicket of bamboo towards the southern half of the park, and an ivy-covered fence at the south-west portion. Tallfencing with Parks Department signage and gates enclose the park at the northern end. Notable History: The name of this park, Septuagesimo Uno, means “seventy-one” in Latin. It is named for its location on West 71st Street between West End and Amsterdam Avenues. Originally known as simply the “71st Street Plot”, the park was renamed at the turn of the millennium by then Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern. The land for the park was acquired through condemnation on March 28, 1969 as part of Mayor John V. Lindsay’s Vest Pocket Park initiative. This campaign converted small vacant lots between buildings into small neighborhood parks as a means of improving urban living conditions during the 1960s. In many cases, community organizations and charitable groups petitioned for the construction of the parks. Like Septuagesimo Uno, the parks are typically located in densely populated neighborhoods and are characterized by sitting areas, gardens and playgrounds. The Vest Pocket Park Initiative supervised the landscaping of this parcel, which is only slightly narrower than the typical New York City tax lot (16.67’ x 100.42’). One of six row houses designed in 1892 by M.V.B. Ferdon previously stood on the lot (NB 725-1892; demolished c. 1967 (DP 320-67 ); all of the remaining houses still stand). In May 1981, the Department of General Services transferred jurisdiction of the property to the Department of Parks & Recreation. The park is maintained in cooperation with Community Board 7. In 2000, the park received a $14,325 renovation sponsored by Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani. The improvements included the addition of steel fencing with bear claw extensions. At night, the fences are closed to deter vandalism.
References: City of New York Parks & Recreation, “Septuagesimo UNO,” http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/septuagesimouno (accessed April 26, 2013)