260 West 73rd Street
Date: 1887-88
NB Number: NB 569-1887
Type: Rowhouse
Architect: Mott, Charles T.
Developer/Owner/Builder: William J. Merritt & Co.
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 and Brownstone
Stories: 4 and basement
Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension
Special Windows: Possibly historic multi-paned wood-and-glass casement windows and transoms at first story (present in c. 1939 tax photograph).
Significant Architectural Features: Rusticated brownstone at basement and first story, brickabove with brick splayed lintels at second and third stories and paneled details at fourth story; metal arcaded cornice with foliate brackets above third story and lion’s head gargoyle projecting from eastern end; decorative details at fourth story including small denticulated cornice and denticulated window surround consisting of pilasters with Corinthian capitals supporting an ogee pediment with wreath detail and foliate pinnacles.
Alterations: Stoop removed, original main entry converted into window opening, and new main entry installed at basement (prior to c. 1939 tax photograph); five foliate brackets removed from eastern end of cornice (date not determined); non-historic infill at openings beneath basement window openings; storm and/or screen windows at second- through fourth-story window openings; transom filled in at fourth story; lights at new main entry; conduit towards western edge of facade at basement; small non-decorative wood panel to west of new main entry.
Building Notes: New building application 569-1887 was for the development of 19 row houses, designed by Charles T. Mott (238 to 272 West 73rd Street). Only 16 of the original row houses were completed (January 5, 1889), with two of the not-completed homes located in the middle of the row. These two homes, nos. 246 and 248, were later constructed as part of a separate building application (NB 597-1889). Four of the houses were later demolished for construction of the apartment house at 240 West 73rd Street (aka 238-244 West 73rd Street), leaving 14 houses of the original row still standing, including the two 1889 structures. The homes are each distinct in design, but some have interrelated architectural elements, including continuous bands and cornices, meant to tie them together into cohesive groups. Possibly historic wood sashes throughout (one-over-one double-hung sashes present in c. 1939 tax photograph; see also “Special Windows”).
Site Features: Masonry (resurfaced) stairs with non-original (but possibly historic) metal handrail descend into areaway; in-ground metal hatch within areaway.
North Facade: Designed (historic, repointed)
Stoop: Removed
Windows: Possibly historic (upper stories); possibly historic (basement)
Security Grilles: Possibly historic (basement)
Roof: Original (pitched – barrel tiles)
Notable Roof Features: Gabled roof
Cornice: Original
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Possibly historic metal railing
Areaway Paving Material(s): Tinted, patterned concrete in front of main entry; concretebvelsewhere
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Granite