265 West 71st Street

265 West 71st Street

NB Number: NB  385-1886

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  Smith, W. Holman

Developer/Owner/Builder: Van Loon & Capron

Row Configuration: One of originally 13 houses designed as a larger row. Each house looked different from one another employing multiple sandstone hues and painted cornices, assorted rooflines, and varied placement of large open bays. The row was described more than once as a “reign of terror” and was acknowledged for its “energy.” Of the larger row, only 265 and 271 West 71st Street remain intact.

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:  Queen Anne with alterations

Primary Facade:   Brick and Brownstone

Stories: 3 and basement

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Decorative Metal Work: Decorative grilles at openings beneath basement window openings

Significant Architectural Features: Windows slightly recessed beneath large segmental-arch

Alterations: Stoop removed, original main entry at first story altered into a window opening, new slightly projecting brick facade with new main entry at basement level installed (after c. 1939 tax photograph but before c. 1980s tax photograph); replaced sashes (one-over-one double-hung sashes present in c. 1939 tax photograph); screen windows at second story; tympanum presently features moon-and-star pattern, which is likely not original but appears to date to before c. 1939 tax photograph; cornice painted; metal balconette railing at arched opening at first story; light and conduit at main entry.

References: Christopher Gray, “Row Houses Gone Wild,” New York Times, December 12, 2012, RE8.

Site Features: Plantings within areaway; metal gate at entrance to areaway; concrete stairs with metal handrail descend into areaway.

South Facade: Designed (historic, painted, painted at basement)
Stoop: Removed
Door(s): Not historic primary door; not historic secondary door at basement
Windows: Replaced (upper stories); replaced (basement)
Security Grilles: Not historic (upper stories); not historic (basement)
Cornice: Original
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Concrete; metal fencing
Areaway Paving Material(s): Concrete
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal