305 West 78th Street

305 West 78th Street

NB Number: NB 869-1885

Block: 1186

Lot: 72

Type:  Rowhouse

Architect:  White, Frederick B.

Owner/Builder: Henry H. Hewett

NYC Landmarks Designation:  Historic District

Landmark Designation Report: West End – Collegiate Historic District

National Register Designation: N/A

Primary Style:  Flemish Renaissance Revival

Primary Facade:   Brick, Limestone, and Red Brick

Stories: 3 with basement

Elements: Three-story rowhouse with basement and steep gable roof intersecting a mansard; pressed red brick and molded brick facings; square and round-arched window openings with splayed brick lintels; original double-hung, one-over-one wood sash windows include transoms on the first floor; low brick areaway wall; high recessed limestone stoop below a round Syrian arch shared with No. 307; single leaf, panelled wood door with one glazed circular panel and rectangular transom; third story gable end shared with No. 307 is articulated by stylized engaged colonnettes rising from a second floor string course, through a third floor cornice, and terminating in the finials of the gable end; billet pattern brick tympanum at the gable windows; original roof was tile with crenellated cresting (see No. 307 West 78th Street); wrought-iron grilles on basement window and door; cast-iron handrail shared with No. 307.

Historic District: West End - Collegiate HD

Alterations: Aluminum sash installed at second story; new wood sash installed at third story; aluminum storm windows added at first floor; stained glass transom lights removed; brick repointed inappropriately with white mortar and wide joints; roof surface replaced with asphalt shingles; wrought-iron window grille installed next to main entry door.

History: Built as one of a row of eight houses (Nos. 381-389 West End Avenue and Nos. 303-307 West 78th Street). These buildings were designed in a picturesque mode to be viewed as a single composition. No. 305 was designed as a mirror image of No. 307 West 78th Street. No. 305 was sold to Martha B. Smith, June 3, 1887.

References: New York City, Department of Buildings, Manhattan, Plans, Permits and Dockets.