257 West 70th Street

257 West 70th Street

NB Number: NB 773-1895

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  Keister, George

Developer/Owner/Builder: George Keister

Row Configuration: Three row houses (nos. 257, 259 and 261) constructed under the same new building application in an AAB pattern. Nos. 259 and 261 are mirror images.

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 and Masonry

Stories: 4 and basement

Decorative Metal Work: Possibly historic screen door at main entry

Significant Architectural Features: Molded masonry window surrounds, including continuous lintel with foliate frieze and broken ediment supported on fluted Ionic columns at second-story triple-window openings, and large molded lintels on prominent brackets at third story; slightly projecting window surrounds at fourth story match those at nos. 259 and 261; molded cornice,
continuous with nos. 259 and 261; main entry portico features pilasters with Ionic capitals  46 supporting a small molded entablature; low-rising, L-shaped stoop with heavy, curved masonry sidewalls and balustrade.

Alterations: Decorative quoins removed when building resurfaced (after c. 1939 tax photograph; prior to c. 1980s tax photograph); masonry colonette with small Ionic capital removed from firststory window opening (after c. 1939 tax photograph; before c. 1980s tax photograph); replaced sashes (one-over-one double-hung sashes present in c. 1939 tax photograph); screen windows; light fixtures at main entry; intercom at main entry; possibly historic urn-shaped planters removed from stoop (after c. 1939 tax photograph; before c. 1980s tax photograph); one baluster missing from portion of stoop facing West 70th Street.

Building Notes: Three row houses (nos. 257, 259 and 261) constructed under the same new building application in an AAB pattern. Nos. 259 and 261 are mirror images.

South Facade: Designed (painted)
Stoop: Painted stoop (historic gate under stoop)
Door(s): Possibly historic primary door
Windows: Replaced (upper stories); possibly historic (basement)
Security Grilles: Not historic (first story); possibly original (basement)
Cornice: Original
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Masonry with low metal rail and gate (non-historic)
Areaway Paving Material(s): Masonry (painted)
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal

West Facade: Designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Building projects very slightly forward from neighboring building; small strip of brick visible (painted); cornice continues from primary (south) facade and extends to the other houses of the row.

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension