265 West 72nd Street

265 West 72nd Street

NB Number: NB 731-1895

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  Schellenger, Gilbert A.

Developer/Owner/Builder: William E. Diller

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, Brownstone, Orange Roman Brick, and Roman Brick

Stories: 4 and basement

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Decorative Metal Work: Rail above second story at western half of elevation

Significant Architectural Features: Brownstone window surrounds at second through fifth stories feature Ionic pilasters supporting molded entablatures with garland and foliate friezes; molded cornice with foliate frieze above third story; bracketed cornice at roofline

Alterations: Original stoop removed and front extended and rebuilt at basement and first stories, including new residential and commercial entries at basement level (ALT 1238-1918; ALT 2891-1919); replaced sashes (mixture of one-over-one double-hung and multi-paned sashes present in c. 1939 tax photograph); light fixture at residential entries; intercom at residential entry; commercial awning at first story; commercial signage at second story; security camera at commercial entry

Building Notes: The only remaining house of a row of three four-story and basement rowhouses.

Site Features: In-ground metal hatch doors

Notable History and Residents: For approximately five decades, the building served as home to the realty firm of Earle & Calhoun, which later merged with the realty firm Slawson & Hobbs. Both firms were well known for specializing in west side residential development. In 1972, the World Yoga Center opened in a studio space on the second story of the building and continues to occupy this space today, more than 40 years later. The center is thought to be among the oldest, if not the oldest, continuous-run yoga practice in New York City.

References: “2 Realty Companies on West Side Merge,” New York Times, October 26, 1947, R1; “John F. Calhoun, Realty Operator,” New York Times, March 15, 1951, 29; World Yoga Center, http://worldyogacenter.com (accessed December 2012).

South Facade: Designed (historic, painted masonry details)
Stoop: Removed
Door(s): Non-historic primary door; non-historic door at commercial entry
Windows: Replaced
Storefront(s): Replaced
Cornice: Original
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Masonry