257 West 91st Street

257 West 91st Street

Date: 1895-96

NB Number: NB 1738-1895

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  Lamb & Rich

Developer/Owner/Builder: Charles A Rich

NYC Landmarks Designation:  Historic District

Landmark Designation Report: Riverside Drive- West End Historic District

National Register Designation: N/A

Primary Style:  Georgian Revival

Primary Facade:   Brick and Limestone

Stories: 4

Window Type/Material: See structure

Basement Type: Raised

Stoop Type: Unknown

Structure: West 91st Street facade: Located on the north side of West 91st Street 100 feet east of West End Avenue, this four story, five bay house on a raised basement is faced in brick with limestone trim. It was originally three stories in height but received a fourth story at a later date and is fifty feet wide. An original wrought iron fence with cast spear finials encloses the recessed areaway. The centrally placed front door is reached by steps flanked by limestone newel posts with large ball finials. The oak and glass double doors, surmounted by a leaded transom, are flanked by Ionic limestone pilasters. A wide limestone belt course runs above the basement, underscoring the four-part windows with transoms at the parlor story. The window openings have splayed limestone lintels with keystones. Parlor story windows have twelve-over-twelve wood sash, while those above have six-over-six wood sash. An iron cornice caps the third story and features mutule blocks. Three pairs of windows are located at the fourth story.

Western Elevation: The western elevation has the same brick as the facade and has had a window opening cut into it. The schist foundation is visible here.

Historic District: Riverside Drive- West End HD

Alterations: Iron bars have been added to the windows at the east of the front door. A recent wrought iron gate covers the doorway to a basement apartment at the west. The rooftop addition, creating a fourth story, was constructed in 1919. Two recent light fixtures are placed at the door. 1919: Alt 1372-1919 [Source: Alteration Application]. The roof was raised and a fourth story constructed. Architect – Rich & Mathesius Owner – Charles A. Rich

Designed by the renowned New York architectural firm of Lamb & Rich, this single family house was built in 1895-96 for Charles A. Rich of the firm. Rich also designed the neighboring house at No. 255 (1901) with a similar facade and another house at No. 309-311 West 92nd Street (1905) located within the district. Selected Reference: New York City Department of Taxes Photograph Collection, Municipal Archives and Record Collection, G 2032.