269 West 71st Street

269 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 Reportr

National Register Designation: N/A

Primary Style: Altered Queen Anne

Primary Facade:   Beige Brick, Brick, and Masonry

Stories: 3 and basement

Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension

Special Windows: Round-arched opening at main entry (original fanlight(s) replaced); roundarched opening at third story (opening altered; sash replaced)

Significant Architectural Features: Rusticated masonry base, including sidewalls at L-shaped stoop; brick at second and third stories; small decorative masonry panels at parapet; wrap-around sidewall at L-shaped stoop; brick upper stories; round-arched main entry; paneled wood reveals at main entry

Alterations: Present appearance of building dates to c. 1983 alteration (ALT 93-1983) following a fire that damaged the second and third stories, requiring the removal of the original gabled parapet and resulting in the combining of the second- and third-story window openings into one large double-height opening; railing at parapet; address plaque above main entry; non-historic lights at main entry; small sign to east of main entry; intercom at basement; arched opening within stoop sidewall facing West 71st Street filled in; painted security grilles at basement

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

Site Features: Masonry stairs descend into areaway; metal gate at entry to areaway

South Facade: Designed (painted at basement and first story)
Stoop: Painted stoop (possibly historic gate under stoop)
Door(s): Replaced primary door; non-original fireproof door under stoop
Windows: Replaced (upper stories); replaced (basement)
Security Grilles: Not historic (upper stories); possibly historic (basement)
Areaway Paving Material(s): Ceramic tile
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Concrete and metal