267 West 71st Street

267 West 71st Street

NB Number: NB 385-1886

Type:  Apartment Building and Rowhouse (Row house altered to apartment building)

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:  None

Primary Facade:   Brick and Glazed White Brick

Stories: 3 and basement

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Significant Architectural Features: Bowed front with five rectangular window openings at first through third stories (three at basement) separated by slender, four-story brick piers; glazed brick portico.

Alterations: The present appearance of the building dates to a 1961 alteration, at which time the building’s stoop was removed and entire facade rebuilt with new main entry at basement level (see “Building Notes”); canopy at main entry altered after c. 1980s tax photograph; through-wall air conditioners at central bays at each story and at basement under easternmost window opening, may date to 1961 alteration (present in c. 1980s tax photograph); numerous screen windows; non-historic sidelight, transom, and door enframement at main entry; intercom at main entry; recessed light in canopy soffit at main entry.

Building Notes: Present appearance of building dates to a 1961 alteration (ALT 1408-61). The bowed front of the building follows a similar curve to the balconies formerly present on the row house.

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

Site Features: In-ground metal vent within areaway; non-historic built-in garbage enclosure with decorative gates along western wall within areaway.

South Facade: Altered; stuccoed at basement and first story
Door(s): Not historic primary door
Windows: Not historic (upper stories); not historic (basement)
Security Grilles: Not original (basement)
Areaway Wall/Fence Material(s): Tall concrete posts and decorative metal fencing (after c. 2009)
Areaway Paving Material(s): Square granite paving
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal