305 West 72nd Street
305 West 72nd Street (The Luxonia)
NB Number: NB 684-1912
Type: Apartment Building
Architect: Ajello, Gaetan
Developer/Owner/Builder: A. Campagna Construction 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: Renaissance Revival
Primary Facade: Brick, Masonry, and Terra Cotta
Stories: 12 1/2 and basement and penthouse
Historic District: West End-Collegiate HD Extension
Special Windows: Round-arched window openings at 12th story (possibly historic sashes); large
segmental arched transom at main entry
Decorative Metal Work: Railings at second and 12th-story window openings; heavy balconette railings at fourth, seventh, and eighth stories; parapet railing; possibly historic facade-length balconettes at third and fifth stories
Significant Architectural Features: Tripartite vertical configuration; double-height pilasters with Corinthian capitals at base support a heavy, bracketed, masonry balconette; similar balconette also at fourth story; molded, terra-cotta triple-window surrounds and molded bracketed sills throughout; elaborate terra-cotta details at capital including large triple-window surrounds with cartouche and geometric details and Corinthian pilasters on large foliate brackets with putti supporting an overhanging, modillioned cornice; segmental-arched main entryway with cartouche detail
Alterations: Westernmost window opening filled in, original easternmost window opening widened, and additional window opening added at easternmost end at half-story above 12th story; window opening to west of main entry at basement painted black; screen windows at 12th story; non-historic metal rails at 11th story window openings; metal railing at parapet; nonhistoric gate at service entry.
Building Notes: This building was known as the Luxonia at the time of its construction. It was marketed for its “elegance, character, cheerfulness” and “comfort,” and was noted for being “situated on the most socially prominent street on the west side.” The building contained apartments of between 4 and 6 rooms. The architect’s name is inscribed at the building’s western cornerstone as “G. AJELLO” with the word “ARCHITECT.” The building’s entrance vestibule with elaborate molding is visible beyond the main entry doors. There are possibly historic light fixtures at the main entry.
References: Display Advertisement 17, New York Times, August 5, 1913, 12.
Site Features: Cruciform granite slab with inset brass address number in sidewalk in front of main entry; two-step masonry stoop; concrete-and-metal stairs with metal handrails descend to service entry; sidewalls painted at service entry; in-ground metal hatch towards eastern end of facade.
South Facade: Designed (historic, painted at first and second stories)
Stoop: Original
Door(s): Possibly historic primary door
Windows: Possibly historic (upper stories); possibly historic (first story)
Security Grilles: Possibly historic (basement)
Cornice: Original
Sidewalk Material(s): Concrete
Curb Material(s): Masonry
West Facade: Partially designed (historic) (partially visible)
Facade Notes: Brick from primary (south) facade wraps to this facade for a few feet as thick quoining; red brick elsewhere
Alterations: Through-wall air conditioners; probable changes to window openings; metal railing above parapet.